Abstract
Several studies describe indoor pollutant exposure in homes and to a lesser extent in schools. Population studies that include both environments are sparse.
This study aims to assess endotoxin levels in primary schools and homes of children. Endotoxin was also studied in relation to asthma and sensitization.
Ten schools with (index) and without (reference) dampness were selected, based on reports and inspections. Cases and controls were selected from 169 homes, based on the presence or absence of asthma-like symptoms of children. Classrooms and bedrooms airborne settled dust was sampled with the Electrostatic Dust fall Collectors (EDC).
Average endotoxin levels in schools ranged from 2178 to 6914 EU·m−2 per week compared to 462 to 1285 EU·m−2 per week in homes. After mutual adjustment for home and school endotoxin, home endotoxin was inversely associated with asthma (OR=0.90 (0.82–1.00). School exposure was positively associated with non-atopic asthma (OR=1.13; 95%CI 1.03–1.25).
The high endotoxin levels in schools compared to homes indicate that exposure at school can contribute considerably to environmental endotoxin exposure of children and teachers. Our results also suggest that endotoxin in schools may be associated with non-atopic asthmatic symptoms in pupils, although the results require reproduction because of the modest sample size.
- ERS