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- Title
National Prevalence and Exposure Risk for Cockroach Allergen in U.S. Households.
- Authors
Cohn, Richard D.; Arbes Jr., Samuel J.; Jaramillo, Renee; Reid, Laura H.; Zeldin, Darryl C.
- Abstract
We characterized the prevalence of cockroach allergen exposure in a nationally representative sample of U.S. homes and assessed risk factors for elevated concentrations. DESIGN: We used data from the National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing, a population-based cross-sectional survey. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were residents of 831 U.S. homes in the survey. EVALUATIONS/MEASUREMENTS: We analyzed allergen, questionnaire, and observational data of 831 U.S. homes. RESULTS: Cockroach allergen (Bla g 1) concentrations exceed 2.0 U/g, a level associated with allergic sensitization, in 11% of U.S. living room floors and 13% of kitchen floors. Concentrations exceed 8.0 U/g, a level associated with asthma morbidity, in 3% of living room floors and 10% of kitchen floors. Elevated concentrations were observed in high-rise apartments, urban settings, pre-1940 constructions, and households with incomes < $20,000. Odds of having concentrations > 8.0 U/g were greatest when roach problems were reported or observed and increased with the number of cockroaches observed and with indications of recent cockroach activity. CONCLUSIONS: Household cockroach allergen exposure is characterized in a nationally representative context. The allergen is prevalent in many settings, at levels that may contribute to allergic sensitization and asthma morbidity. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL OR PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: Likelihood of exposure can be assessed by consideration of demographic and household determinants.
- Subjects
UNITED States; ALLERGENS; COCKROACHES; HEALTH risk assessment; ASTHMA; DISEASES; ENVIRONMENTAL health; HEALTH; EPIDEMIOLOGY
- Publication
Environmental Health Perspectives, 2006, Vol 114, Issue 4, p522
- ISSN
0091-6765
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1289/ehp.8561