Cat allergen levels in public places in New Zealand.
OBJECTIVE
Cat allergen (Fel d 1) is a known risk factor for asthma. Studies have demonstrated Fel d 1 in both public buildings and domestic dwellings where cats have never been. The aims of this study were to measure reservoir Fel d 1 levels in public buildings in New Zealand, to examine determinants of these levels and to compare them with previously measured domestic levels.


METHODS
Dust was obtained in two centres (Wellington and Christchurch) from hotels, hospitals, rest homes, churches, primary schools, childcare centres, cinemas, bank head offices and aeroplanes; and from North Island ski lodges. Measurements of temperature and relative humidity were taken. Information was collected on building characteristics. Fel d 1 levels (microg/g of fine dust) for floors (n=203), beds (n=64) and seats (n=24) were expressed as geometric means (95% confidence intervals).


RESULTS
Detectable Fel d 1 levels were found in 95% of floor samples, 91% of bed samples and 100% of seat samples. Fel d 1 levels [geometric mean (95% confidence intervals)] were significantly higher on cinema and domestic aircraft seats [36.8 (20.8-65.3) microg/g and 33.3 (28.0-39.7) microg/g respectively] than on floors [3.6 (2.5-5.1) microg/g and 2.4 (1.8-3.0) microg/g respectively]. Floor Fel d 1 levels in the public buildings sampled were lower than those of domestic dwellings without cats [0.9 (0.6-1.4) microg/g vs 1.7 (1.2-2.4)] microg/g in Wellington and [2.0 (1.6-2.6) microg/g vs 4.0 (2.7-6.0] microg/g in Christchurch. After controlling for potential confounders, floor Fel d 1 levels were higher with carpeted floors (p<0.001) and lower in banks and hospitals (p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Fel d 1 levels in public buildings are low in New Zealand public places except for cinema and domestic aircraft seats where all but one sample had Fel d 1 levels potentially high enough to precipitate asthma symptoms in sensitised individuals.
Martin
I R
IR
Canterbury Respiratory Research Group, Christchurch Hospital. imartin@chmeds.ac.nz
Wickens
K
K
Patchett
K
K
Kent
R
R
Fitzharris
P
P
Siebers
R
R
Lewis
S
S
Crane
J
J
Holbrook
N
N
Town
G I
GI
Smith
S
S
D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D001513:Beds; D002415:Cats / Q000276:immunology*; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005430:Floors and Floorcoverings; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D016014:Linear Models; D009520:New Zealand
D000485:Allergens; D004391:Dust; D006023:Glycoproteins; C059296:Fel d 1 protein, Felis domesticus