Markers of upper airway inflammation associated with microbial exposure and symptoms in occupants of a water‐damaged building
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Water damage in buildings has been associated with reports of upper airway inflammation among occupants. METHODS: This survey included a questionnaire, allergen skin testing, nasal nitric oxide, and nasal lavage on 153 participants. We conducted exposure assessments of 297 workstations and analyzed collected dust for fungi, endotoxin, and (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan to create floor-specific averages. RESULTS: Males had higher levels of nasal inflammatory markers, and females reported more symptoms. ECP, IL-8, and MPO were significantly associated with nasal symptoms, flu-like achiness, or chills. Fungi and glucan were positively associated with blowing out thick mucus. Endotoxin was significantly associated with ECP in overall models, and with ECP, IL-8, MPO, and neutrophils among non-atopic females. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we documented an association between endotoxin and nasal inflammatory markers among office workers. The results of our study suggest that a non-allergic response may contribute to symptoms occurring among occupants in this water-damaged building.
References (5)
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- Respiratory Morbidity in Office Workers in a Water-Damaged BuildingEnvironmental Health Perspectives · 2005
- Fungal and endotoxin measurements in dust associated with respiratory symptoms in a water-damaged office buildingIndoor Air · 2006
- Evaluation of individual-based and group-based exposure estimation of microbial agents in health effects associated with a damp buildingJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology · 2013
- Rhinosinusitis and mold as risk factors for asthma symptoms in occupants of a water-damaged buildingIndoor Air · 2012
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