Indoor exposure associated risk for eczema in early childhood

Abstract

In the development of allergic disorders other factors besides a genetic disposition seem to play a role. Exposure to risk factors such as indoor air pollution is becoming increasingly interesting, especially during early childhood. Within an epidemiological study involving 2536 children the effect of indoor exposure on allergic symptoms and physician-confirmed eczema has been investigated. The exposure situation has been characterised on hand of the redecoration activities before birth and in the first years of life. Highly exposed children showed a significant effect on allergic disorders. The lifetime prevalences without any vs. of all three redecoration activities (painting, floor covering and new furniture) were for allergic symptoms 9.3 vs. 17.2 and for eczema 11.5 vs. 20.4. Adjusted for confounders, the redecoration associated burden led to odds ratios of 1.8 (95CI: 1.3-2.6) for allergic symptoms and 1.9 (95CI: 1.4-2.7) for eczema. Exposure emissions due to redecoration activities seem to be associated with the risk of eczema and allergic symptoms. Thus, prevention of allergic disorders should include the avoidance of such activities around birth and in the first year of life.