Loading...
Household determinants of biocontaminant exposures in Canadian homes
Sun, Liu Miller, J. David Van Ryswyk, Keith Wheeler, Amanda J. Héroux, Marie-Eve Goldberg, Mark S. Mallach, Gary
Sun, Liu
Miller, J. David
Van Ryswyk, Keith
Wheeler, Amanda J.
Héroux, Marie-Eve
Goldberg, Mark S.
Mallach, Gary
Abstract
Exposure to biocontaminants, such as dust mites, animal dander, bacteria, and mold, is associated with a range of health effects. This study identified household characteristics associated with indoor biocontaminant loadings in four Canadian cities. Floor dust was collected in 290 Canadian homes in Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, and Windsor. The dust samples were analyzed for house dust mite allergens (Der f 1 and Der p 1), cat allergen (Fel d 1), cockroach allergen (Bla g 1), beta-(1,3)-D-glucan, and endotoxin. Household information was obtained through questionnaires and home inspections. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to identify household determinants of biocontaminant loadings and mold odor presence. We observed large regional variations for all biocontaminants, except for cockroach allergen. The ranges of the contaminants measured in loadings and concentrations were similar to that of previous Canadian studies. Household characteristics including presence of carpeting, low floor cleaning frequency, older home age, presence of pets, and indoor relative humidity above 45% were positively associated with the presence of multiple indoor biocontaminants. High floor cleaning frequency and use of dehumidifiers were negatively associated with the presence of multiple indoor biocontaminants. Mold odor was positively associated with older home age, past water damage, and visible mold growth.
Keywords
beta-(1,3)-D-glucan, cat allergen, dust mite allergen, endotoxin, house dust, mold
Date
2022
Type
Journal article
Journal
Indoor Air
Book
Volume
32
Issue
1
Page Range
1-11
Article Number
Article e12933
ACU Department
Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
License
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
File Access
Open