title: Detection of allergen sources in the homes of sensitized children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify the presence of environmental factors linked to the onset of allergies and asthma in the homes of children participating in an early detection program that were identified with sensitivity to common allergens in the region of Sonora, Mexico.
  
  
  METHODS
  A walkthrough assessment was carried out in the homes of sensitized children; the research tools were the questionnaire and environmental checklist proposed by the Lowell Healthy Homes Program of the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed the presence of environmental allergen sources, to which most of the children in the study are sensitized, as well as the environmental conditions and habits that determine the quality of the indoor air of the households, were both related to triggering allergies and asthma in this population. A statistically significant association was found between the visual observation of dust inside homes and the sensitivity of children to dust mites.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dust found inside the home was the most relevant environmental factor related to positive cases of IgE in children. Early detection of allergies in children in the study and the methodology used in this investigation provided a useful framework for the design of plans and intervention alternatives in these homes to prevent the development of allergies and asthma panorama. These plans should be designed with a multidisciplinary approach to impact social, environmental and economic benefits in the family, improving the living conditions of the study population and contributing to the sustainable development goals of the United Nations for 2030.
authors.affiliation: Chemical and Biological Sciences Department, University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. ralvarez@guayacan.uson.mx.|Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA. ralvarez@guayacan.uson.mx.
authors.forename: Clara R
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9948-8047
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Álvarez-Chávez
authors.affiliation: Alumni Sustainability Master Degree Program, University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.
authors.forename: José L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Flores-Bernal
authors.affiliation: Industrial Engineer Department, University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.|Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Esquer-Peralta
authors.affiliation: Industrial Engineer Department, University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.|Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Nora E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Munguía-Vega
authors.affiliation: Chemical and Biological Sciences Department, University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.
authors.forename: María A G
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Corella-Madueño
authors.affiliation: Chemical and Biological Sciences Department, University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rascón-Careaga
authors.affiliation: Department of Economics, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Turcotte
authors.affiliation: Industrial Engineer Department, University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.|Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Luis E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Velázquez-Contreras
mesh_terms: D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis*; D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis*; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D004391:Dust
keywords: Allergens; Allergy; Environment; Home; Sensitized children