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This study investigates associations of building dampness indicators, and perceptions of moldy odor, humidity and dryness (Dampness and Dryness, D&D) with children's asthma and allergies. Data were obtained from a cross-sectional study in Tianjin and Cangzhou, China from 2013 to 2014. Completed surveys were returned by 7366 families with children 0–8 years old. We studied D&D factors both in the current residence and the residence where the children lived immediately after birth. A total of 4.4% of the children had doctor-diagnosed asthma; 9.5% had doctor-diagnosed rhinitis; and 39.1% had doctor-diagnosed eczema. Most of the dampness indicators, perceptions of odors, and perceived dryness, were significantly associated with children's asthma and allergies. A reporting bias in parents (or guardians) who themselves had allergies was not found to be the reason for the associations between D&D and health effects. Compared with either previous or current exposure to D&D, continuous exposure to D&D was a greater risk for children's asthma and allergies. Perceived dryness was the most important studied risk factor for children's allergies in either current or previous homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air change rate data for dwellings in China are scarce. We carried out a study of ventilation rates in 399 homes in Tianjin and Cangzhou, China. Carbon dioxide concentration was continuously measured for 24 h in bedrooms and living rooms. The air change rate at night was calculated using a single zone mass balance model. In the whole home, the median air change rates during sleeping time for spring, summer, autumn and winter were 0.27 h −1 , 1.11 h −1 , 0.29 h −1 , 0.30 h −1 . In the child's bedroom with closed window and door, the median air change rates during sleeping time for spring, summer, autumn and winter were 0.25 h −1 , 0.25 h −1 , 0.30 h −1 , 0.37 h −1 . Air change rates in homes with open windows were significantly higher than those in homes with closed windows ( p  = 0.000). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urbanization and industrialization in China is accompanied by bad air quality, and the prevalence of asthma in Chinese children has been increasing in recent years. To investigate the associations between ambient PM 2.5 levels and asthmatic and allergic diseases or symptoms in preschool children in China, we assigned PM 2.5 exposure data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) project to 205 kindergartens at a spatial resolution of 0.1° × 0.1° in six cities in China (Shanghai, Nanjing, Chongqing, Changsha, Urumqi, and Taiyuan). A hierarchical multiple logistical regression model was applied to analyze the associations between kindergarten-level PM 2.5 exposure and individual-level outcomes of asthmatic and allergic symptoms. The individual-level variables, including gender, age, family history of asthma and allergic diseases, breastfeeding, parental smoking, indoor dampness, interior decoration pollution, household annual income, and city-level variable-annual temperature were adjusted. A total of 30,759 children (average age 4.6 years, 51.7% boys) were enrolled in this study. Apart from family history, indoor dampness, and decoration as predominant risk factors, we found that an increase of 10 μg/m 3 of the annual PM 2.5 was positively associated with the prevalence of allergic rhinitis by an odds ratio (OR) of 1.20 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11, 1.29) and diagnosed asthma by OR of 1.10 (95% CI 1.03, 1.18). Those who lived in non-urban (vs. urban) areas were exposed to more severe indoor air pollution arising from biomass combustion and had significantly higher ORs between PM 2.5 and allergic rhinitis and current rhinitis. Our study suggested that long-term exposure to PM 2.5 might increase the risks of asthmatic and allergic diseases or symptoms in preschool children in China. Compared to those living in urban areas, children living in suburban or rural areas had a higher risk of PM 2.5 exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalates (PAEs) are SVOCs (Semi Volatile Organic Compounds), which are used as plasticizers in industrial products and home daily supplies. Phthalates are ubiquitous in indoor environment, consequently affect human health, especially children’s health. This study is part of CCHH (China, Children, Home, Health) projects. The study consisted of two phases. Phase Ⅰ, the home environment and health information of children aged 1-8 years old in Tianjin area and Cangzhou area were surveyed with questionnaire. Phase Ⅱ, the home environment were measured and the dust samples were collected. Finally, 6928 questionnaires were collected back and analyzed, and 410 dust samples were collected from children’s bedrooms in Tianjin and Cangzhou areas. The concentration of PAEs in dust samples were measured by GC-MS method. The six target PAEs were Diethyl phthalate (DEP), Diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), Di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP), Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Diisononyl phthalate (DiNP). It was found that the median values of DEP, DiBP, DnBP, BBzP, DEHP and DiNP were 0.31µg/g, 16.38µg/g, 42.6µg/g, 0.11µg/g, 127.11µg/g and 0.28µg/g, respectively. Indoor “modern” decoration and frequent use of household cleaning products were related to higher PAE concentrations, consequently to children’s asthma and allergy. Higher concentrations of DEP, DiBP were significantly associated to children’s diagnosed asthma (DEP AOR 2.08; DiBP AOR 2.48). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air change rate is an important factor in indoor environment with regards to occupants’ health. In order to study the association of air change rate in homes and building characteristics, a large scale air change rate measurements were carried out during Sept. 2013-Jan. 2016 in Tianjin, China. 410 homes were investigated and indoor environment were measured. Carbon dioxide concentration in homes was continuously measured for 24 hours. Air change rate was calculated by using CO 2 produced by occupants as tracer gas. In the whole home, air change rates during sleeping time averaged 0.61±1.05 h -1 (median=0.32 h -1 , n=340). In the bedrooms, air change rate during sleeping time were substantially higher, averaging 0.81±1.33 h -1 (median=0.43 h -1 , n=390). Months trends of whole home and bedroom air change rates differed. Air change rates were higher in smaller homes. Formaldehyde and TVOC concentration in homes with higher air change rate were lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to find out the relationship between pets keeping in the first year of life (early life) and asthma and allergy among young children aged 0-8 years old in Tianjin, China. It investigated 7366 children and used logistical regression to analyse the self-reported questionnaires containing the questions on asthma, asthma-related and other allergic symptoms and completed by children’s parents. And it shows the highest prevalence of the allergic symptoms was found in urban area, followed by countryside and people in rural area showed the healthiest. However, the rate of pets keeping was contrary, people from rural area keep the most pets. Most importantly, it revealed that exposure to a pet in the early life was positively associated with asthma and allergy in Tianjin, especially for urban area. In conclusion, this study revealed that pet exposure in early in Tianjin was a risk factor for children’s health in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed perceptions of odors and dryness and their associations with asthma and allergic symptoms in 1–8 year-old children in Baotou, China. In this cross-sectional study, parents returned 4801 completed questionnaires. Odors reported frequently or sometimes were stuffy odor,45.2%; unpleasant odor,33.8%; pungent odor, 9.7%; moldy odor, 9.2%; tobacco smoke odor, 33.2%; dry air, 72.4% and humid air,22.5%.Perceptions of all odors and of dry air (POD)were strongly associated with the risk of children’s asthma and allergies but the perception of humid air was not. Dwelling owners reported significantly less odor perception than renters. Significant risk factors for POD were family history of asthma or allergies, living near a main road or highway, evidence of moisture related problems and never exposing bedding to sunshine. A higher proportion of women and allergic persons reported POD. The perception of dryness positively correlated with the use of humidifiers. We conclude that perception of odors and/or dryness can be proxies for indoor pollution, and as such, indicators of increased risk for children’s asthma and allergic symptoms. Reducing moisture related signs and keeping good sanitary habits, both of which can be at least partially accomplished by ventilation, are likely effective strategies for addressing odors and dryness problems in residences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From March 2013 to December 2014, we collected air samples of airborne culturable fungi from 454 residences with young children (mean age: 6.9 years-old) in Shanghai, China. We also measured indoor air temperature and relative humidity, and compiled information regarding dwelling characteristics, lifestyle habits, and dampness-related indicators. Mean concentrations (mean ± SD) of culturable fungi in the child's bedrooms ( n = 445) and in the living rooms ( n = 436) were 310 ± 313 (range: 6–3184) cfu/m 3 and 300 ± 288 (range: 19–3044) cfu/m 3 , respectively. The concentrations of airborne fungi were higher in spring and winter than in other seasons, but were only slightly correlated with indoor air temperature and relative humidity in any season. Higher levels of airborne culturable fungi in the child's bedroom were significantly associated with location in a rural area, constructed before 2000, ground/top floor of the residential building, and building area <10 m 2 . Among those residences inspected in winter, rooms with poor ventilation and residences with spiders and cockroaches, damp spots and moldy spots on the wall surface were associated with higher concentrations of indoor airborne culturable fungi. We found that the household level of airborne fungi was acceptable in most of Shanghai's current residences. The possibility of indoor airborne culturable fungi during cold spring and winter requires more attention than in other seasons. Preventing dampness-related damage, improving indoor ventilation, and maintaining a dwelling free of spiders and cockroaches may decrease indoor level of airborne culturable fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, the prevalence rates of asthma and allergies have been increasing in past 50 years. Several epidemiological investigations have indicated that dampness is associated with health effects such as respiratory infections, asthma and allergy. This study aims to find the associations between home dampness and asthma, rhinitis and eczema among children. A cross-sectional study on dampness and asthma and allergy at Tianjin was launched in 2013. Questionnaires were used to survey indoor dampness and health outcomes of occupants. 3.5% parents reported that they have noticed visible mildew/mold in child's rooms. The association between water leakage and asthma among children was seemingly strong (AOR: 3.29, 95% CI: 1.75-6.19). The dampness in home may have influence on asthma, rhinitis and eczema among children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify risk factors for allergy and their contribution in the indoor environment, a population based cross sectional study was carried on among children 1-8 years old in Beijing, China during 2010-2011. The health condition, life style and home environment of children were surveyed by questionnaires. The response rate of the questionnaire was 64.8% corresponding to the number of 5763 children. The prevalence of doctor diagnosed allergic rhinitis and pneumonia was reported to be 7.8% and 26.2% respectively. 45.3% of the parents reported symptoms of rhinitis (sneezing and blocked nose) among their children in the last 12 months and 19.5% reported dry cough in the last year. Family allergy was the strongest risk factor for doctor diagnosed pneumonia, eczema, dry cough, and rhinitis in the last year. The neighborhood environment, house type, flooring, decoration, house dampness, and family member smoking are significantly associated with most reported diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas, coal and biomass fuels are the dominant energy fuels for cooking in China. Exposure to the smoke released from gas, coal and biomass fuels contributes to respiratory diseases in childhood. To identify the association between asthma and allergy and cooking fuels at homes in China, an epidemiological questionnaire study on the home environment and children's health was launched in Tianjin in 2013. Data for 7,865 children and homes are included in the study. The prevalence rate of diagnosed asthma, diagnosed pneumonia, diagnosed eczema, and diagnosed rhinitis among children was 4.5%, 27.9%, 38.6%and 19.6% respectively. Coal fuels used for daily cooking did have a significantly increased likelihood of asthma-related symptoms, doctor-diagnosed pneumonia and rhinitis ever. Children in families that used gas fuel for daily cooking had more pneumonia. Biomass/wood fuel was associated with a reduced risk for rhinitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor air quality is significantly associated with ventilation. In China, natural ventilation system is the norm in residential buildings. In China this means only leakage and opening of windows, doors. The present study developed a practical and feasible method to measure air change rate in residential buildings. The air change rates in residential buildings were calculated by using CO 2 produced by occupants as tracer gas. Portable CO 2 monitors were located in representative rooms and measured CO 2 concentration for 24 hours continuously. Single zone model and multiple zone model were developed to calculate air change rates. 266 dwellings were measured. The air change rates in 40% dwellings were calculated as single zone since the CO 2 concentration differences in representative rooms were less than 10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) among children has increased markedly in Beijing during the last two decades. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of AR and to identify indoor risk factors for AR among preschool children. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in Beijing, 2011. Parents of 5388 3–6 years old children (65% response rate) from randomly selected kindergartens in Beijing participated in this study. A Chi-square test and multiple logistic regressions were used to identify risk factors. Our survey found that the prevalences of “AR symptoms ever,” “AR symptoms current” (AR symptoms in the last 12 months) and “doctor-diagnosed AR” are 49.5%, 45.6% and 7.8%, respectively. Confounding factors for “AR symptoms” and/or “doctor-diagnosed AR” are gender, age, family allergic history, breastfeeding and current environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). New furniture, condensation on window pane and cockroaches are risk factors for both “AR symptoms ever” and “AR symptoms current”. Risk factors for “AR symptoms ever” include the use of humidifier and incense. A risk factor for “AR symptoms current” is mosquitoes/flies. Risk factors for “doctor-diagnosed AR” include living close to a main road or highway, visible mold spots and current pet keeping. A protective factor against doctor-diagnosed AR is opening the child's bedroom window in winter (aOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.48, 0.92). We found that the greater the number of home environmental risk factors, the higher risk of AR. A number of home environmental factors are associated with AR among preschool children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 15,266 questionnaires from 1 to 8 year-old children was used to investigate the prevalences of home dampness-related indicators and their associations with the respondent's residential characteristics and lifestyle behaviors in Shanghai, China. Most of the questionnaires were filled out by one of the child's parents (69.0% by mother and 24.9% by father). The prevalence of visible mold (VMS) was 7.9%, visible damp stains (VDS) 15.2%, windows pane condensation (WPC) 54.9%, water damage (WD) 11.9%, damp clothing and/or bedding (DCB) 42.0%, and moldy odor (MO) 11.9%, respectively. Questionnaires submitted by the child's mother noted significantly more dampness-related indicators than those submitted by the father and other respondents. Residences on the ground floor or top floor were strongly and positively associated with VMS and VDS in comparison with residences on the other floors of the dwelling building. Keeping fish in the current residence also had significant and positive associations with VDS, WPC, and WD. Having exhaust fan in the bathroom and/or opening the windows of the child’ bedroom, and frequently cleaning rooms was strongly associated with reduced dampness-related indicators in the child’ bedroom. Most of these associations among families without asthmatic children were similar to among the whole samples. Therefore, we concluded that studies regarding to home dampness-related evaluation by questionnaire should carefully considered report bias. Living on the ground floor or top floor and fish-keeping are risk factors for home dampness-related exposures. Improving home ventilation and increasing frequency of home cleaning could effectively reduce these exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A cross-sectional study on the home environment and asthma and allergy in children was carried out among children 1–8 years old in Seoul, South Korea from 2009 to 2010. Questionnaires were distributed to 5107 parents through daycare centers and kindergartens; 2755 parents responded, a response rate of 54%. Seven percent and 23% of children were reported to have doctor-diagnosed asthma and hay fever, respectively. A majority (57%) of the families reported having PVC flooring in child's or parents' bedroom. More than 96% of homes used a floor heating system. PVC was used more often as a floor covering in single family houses than in apartments (67% vs. 49%, p < 0.001). PVC flooring was significantly associated with eczema in the previous 6 months (AOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.13–2.09) when adjusted for gender, age, family allergy, socioeconomic status and environmental tobacco smoke. Older buildings tended to have dampness problems, and, consequently, were positively correlated with the prevalence of wheeze. Floor moisture significantly increased the association between PVC and symptoms of wheezing (AOR 2.57, 95% CI 1.36–4.82) and eczema (AOR 1.97, 95% CI 1.18–3.28). Apartments without mechanical ventilation in bedrooms were associated with a slight increase in asthma and allergy among children. This study suggests that building characteristics and home exposure can partly explain recent increases in asthma and allergy among children in Seoul. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A study of “dorm environment and college students' health” was carried out in Tianjin, China, 2006–2007. It consisted of two phases. In Phase I, 3712 students in 1569 dorm rooms reported sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms. One out of three students reported general SBS symptoms, and one out of four reported mucosal or skin problems. Males and females represented the same age group; had the same kind of dwellings in the same geographical area; and led similar student lifestyles. Nonetheless, female students reported slightly more SBS symptoms than males. A “moldy odor” or “dry air” was perceived by occupants in 31% and 76% dorm rooms respectively. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of perceived moldy odor for general SBS symptoms was 2.4, for mucosal symptoms 2.2, and for skin symptoms 2.0. A sensation of “dry air”, was a significant risk factor for general and skin symptoms. In Phase II, 238 dorm rooms were inspected and measured. Local moldy odor around room corners or under radiators was reported by inspectors in 26% dorm rooms. The median air change rate, indoor air temperature and relative humidity in winter were 0.7 h−1, 21 °C and 40%, respectively. Local moldy odor perceived by inspectors was a significant risk factor for nose irritation (AOR 2.8). In winter, higher air change rate was associated with a slight decrement of general and skin SBS symptoms, while higher indoor air temperature and relative humidity were slightly associated with reduced SBS symptoms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

SBS (Sick Building Syndrome) has been studied since the 1970s, mostly in workplaces. To comprehensively characterize associations between the home environment and SBS, we performed a study in the Tianjin area, China. Seven thousand eight hundred and sixty-five (7865) families with infants participated in a questionnaire survey. Information on their lifestyles, home environment and health outcomes was obtained. Fourteen percent (14%) of parents reported general symptoms, followed by 11% for mucosal symptoms and 9% for skin symptoms. There was no gender difference in reports of SBS symptoms. People living in apartments, compared to Pingfang, reported more SBS symptoms. Indoor risk factors for SBS symptoms were perceived dry air (AOR:2.71–3.85), condensation on windows (AOR:1.44–2.11), less frequent window opening (AOR:1.71–1.73) and dampness (AOR:1.44–1.93). Our findings suggest that the home environment impacts occupants' health. • A comprehensive analysis of sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms in homes. • There was no gender difference for SBS symptoms. • Dry air perception, not due to physical dryness, was a strong and consistent risk factor for SBS symptoms. • Low ventilation and dampness were also risks for SBS symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases has increased rapidly in urban China since 2000. There has been limited study of associations between home environmental and lifestyle factors with asthma and symptoms of allergic disease in China. In a cross-sectional analysis of 2214 children in Beijing, we applied a two-step hybrid Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm to identify environmental and lifestyle-related factors associated with asthma, rhinitis and wheeze from a wide range of candidates. We used group LASSO to select variables, using cross-validation as the criterion. Effect estimates were then calculated using adaptive LASSO. Model performance was assessed using Area Under the Curve (AUC) values. We found a number of environmental and lifestyle-related factors significantly associated with asthma, rhinitis or wheeze, which changed the probability of asthma, rhinitis or wheeze from −5.76% (95%CI: −7.74%, −3.79%) to 27.4% (95%CI: 16.6%, 38.3%). The three factors associated with the largest change in probability of asthma were short birth length, carpeted floor and paternal allergy; for rhinitis they were maternal smoking during pregnancy, paternal allergy and living close to industrial area; and for wheeze they were carpeted floor, short birth length and maternal allergy. Other home environmental risk factors identified were living close to a highway, industrial area or river, sharing bedroom, cooking with gas, furry pets, cockroaches, incense, printer/photocopier, TV, damp, and window condensation in winter. Lifestyle-related risk factors were child caretakers other than parents, and age<3 for the day-care. Other risk factors included use of antibiotics, and mother's occupation. Major protective factors for wheeze were living in a rural/suburban region, air conditioner use, and mother's occupation in healthcare. Our findings suggest that changes in lifestyle and indoor environments associated with the urbanization and industrialization of China are associated with asthma, rhinitis, and wheeze in children. Image 1 • We investigated home environmental and lifestyle factors associated with children's allergy. • We used a global variable procedure (LASSO) to select potential influencing factors. • We assessed associated factors in common for asthma, wheeze and rhinitis. • We calculated the probability change due to each risk factor. • Our model has sufficient statistic power and strong predicting performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]