Indoor exposures and recurrent wheezing in infants: a study in the BAMSE cohort.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between indoor exposures and the home environment, and the development of recurrent wheezing during infancy.


METHODS
A birth cohort, comprising 4089 children, was followed. Information on exposures was obtained shortly after birth, and episodes of wheezing were recorded when the infants were 1 and 2 y of age. In a nested case-control study, 181 infants were enrolled, who had three or more reported episodes of wheezing after 3 mo of age combined with either use of inhaled steroids or symptoms of bronchial hyper-reactivity, and 359 age-matched controls. Home inspections were performed during the winter following enrolment, and indoor conditions were measured.


RESULTS
Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. The OR for recurrent infant wheezing associated with signs of dampness reported prospectively by parents was 1.4 (0.9-2.2), and the OR for observed signs of dampness at home inspections was 1.6 (1.0-2.5). A trend was found in the risk of recurrent wheezing in relation to the number of indicators of dampness: OR 1.3 (0.8-2.2) for one sign of dampness and OR 2.7 (1.3-5.4) for three or more signs of dampness. Newly painted surfaces in the child's bedroom was associated with an increased OR for recurrent wheezing: 1.7 (1.3-2.6).


CONCLUSIONS
Indicators of dampness, as well as recently repainted interior surfaces, appear to be associated with recurrent infant wheezing, with a strengthened effect of combined indoor exposures.
Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Stockholm County Council, Sweden. gunnel.emenius@smd.sll.se
G
G
Emenius
M
M
Svartengren
J
J
Korsgaard
L
L
Nordvall
G
G
Pershagen
M
M
Wickman
D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D007223:Infant; D009609:Nitrous Oxide / Q000506:poisoning; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D012135:Respiratory Sounds / Q000209:etiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D009609:Nitrous Oxide