title: Determinants of indoor allergens in tropical child care centers.
abstract: Limited data are available about indoor allergen determinants in child care centers (CCCs) especially in the tropics. This information is important epidemiologically and clinically considering many children attend CCCs. The purpose of this study was to determine the allergen concentrations in CCCs and their associations with CCC characteristics and indoor air quality (IAQ). A panel of indoor allergens including Der p 1, Blo t 5, Fel d 1, Can f 1, Mus m 1, Bla g 1 and Asp f 1 were evaluated from dusts vacuumed from classroom floors of CCCs. Allergen levels were assayed with antibody-based bioplex array or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Indoor temperature, relative humidity and air exchange rates were measured and CCC characteristics inspected. Allergen levels were linearly regressed with CCC characteristics and IAQ. The dominant allergens found in classroom floors were Der p 1, Blo t 5 and Fel d 1. Lower indoor temperatures were associated with higher Der p 1 while lower ventilation rates were associated with higher Blo t 5 concentrations. Prevalence of cat owners was found to be a predictor for Fel d 1 concentrations. Full or partial carpeting is associated with higher dust mite allergen levels. These findings provide information for future indoor allergen exposure assessment studies in CCCs and can be used for intervention with regard to allergen avoidance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Building, School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore. bdgzms@nus.edu.sg
authors.forename: Mohamed Sultan
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Zuraimi
authors.forename: Tan Ching
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Ong
authors.forename: Kwok Wai
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Tham
authors.forename: Fook Tim
authors.initials: FT
authors.lastname: Chew
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D002656:Child Day Care Centers; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D005430:Floors and Floorcoverings; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012846:Singapore; D013696:Temperature; D014329:Tropical Climate; D014691:Ventilation
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D004391:Dust