Markers of upper airway inflammation associated with microbial exposure and symptoms in occupants of a water-damaged building. Am J Ind Med 2013 May;56(5):522-30
Date
02/08/2013Pubmed ID
23390064DOI
10.1002/ajim.22165Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84876438305 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 10 CitationsAbstract
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.
Author List
Akpinar-Elci M, White SK, Siegel PD, Park JH, Visotcky A, Kreiss K, Cox-Ganser JMAuthor
Alexis M. Visotcky Biostatistician III in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultConstruction Materials
Endotoxins
Environmental Exposure
Female
Fungi
Humans
Humidity
Lung
Male
Middle Aged
Nasal Lavage
Nitric Oxide
Occupational Diseases
Occupational Exposure
Water
Workplace
