Housing interventions and control of asthma-related indoor biologic agents: a review of the evidence.
Subject matter experts systematically reviewed evidence on the effectiveness of housing interventions that affect health outcomes, primarily asthma, associated with exposure to moisture, mold, and allergens. Three of the 11 interventions reviewed had sufficient evidence for implementation: multifaceted, in-home, tailored interventions for reducing asthma morbidity; integrated pest management to reduce cockroach allergen; and combined elimination of moisture intrusion and leaks and removal of moldy items to reduce mold and respiratory symptoms. Four interventions needed more field evaluation, 1 needed formative research, and 3 either had no evidence of effectiveness or were ineffective. The 3 interventions with sufficient evidence all applied multiple, integrated strategies. This evidence review shows that selected interventions that improve housing conditions will reduce morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies.
Krieger
James
J
Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Section, Public Health-Seattle and King County, Seattle, Washington 98104, USA. james.krieger@kingcounty.gov
Jacobs
David E
DE
Ashley
Peter J
PJ
Baeder
Andrea
A
Chew
Ginger L
GL
Dearborn
Dorr
D
Hynes
H Patricia
HP
Miller
J David
JD
Morley
Rebecca
R
Rabito
Felicia
F
Zeldin
Darryl C
DC
D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans
D000485:Allergens