Household airborne endotoxin associated with asthma and allergy in elementary school-age children: a case–control study in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Abstract

To evaluate the association between the presence of asthma and allergy, and airborne endotoxin in homes of school-age children in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, with a case–control study design by matching the age and class exposure. Data collection of home visits included an interviewer-administered questionnaire and air sampling of participants’ homes for endotoxin, bacteria, and fungi, as well as temperature and relative humidity measurements. Endotoxin was detected in all air samples with a median value of 0.67 EU m−3. In the adjusted logistic regression model, household airborne endotoxin was associated with higher prevalence of asthma and allergy; OR = 4.88 (95% CI 1.16–20.55) for Q3 (between 0.67 and 1.97 EU m −3) vs. Q1 (< 0.31 EU m −3), with statistical significance. Airborne fungi were associated with higher prevalence of asthma and allergy; OR = 4.47 (95% CI 1.13–17.69) for Q3 (between 314 and 699 CFU m −3) vs. Q1 (< 159 CFU m −3) in adjusted logistic regression models. Airborne endotoxin and fungi were significantly associated with children’s asthma and allergy.