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. 2006 Jul 21:5:22.
doi: 10.1186/1476-069X-5-22.

Childhood asthma and indoor allergens in Native Americans in New York

Simona Surdu  1 , Lupita D Montoya, Alice Tarbell, David O Carpenter
Affiliations

Childhood asthma and indoor allergens in Native Americans in New York

Simona Surdu et al. Environ Health. .

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the correlation between childhood asthma and potential risk factors, especially exposure to indoor allergens, in a Native American population.

Methods: A case-control study of St. Regis Mohawk tribe children ages 2-14 years, 25 diagnosed with asthma and 25 controls was conducted. Exposure was assessed based on a personal interview and measurement of mite and cat allergens (Der p 1, Fel d 1) in indoor dust.

Results: A non-significant increased risk of childhood asthma was associated with self-reported family history of asthma, childhood environmental tobacco smoke exposure, and air pollution. There was a significant protective effect of breastfeeding against current asthma in children less than 14 years (5.2 fold lower risk). About 80% of dust mite and 15% of cat allergen samples were above the threshold values for sensitization of 2 and 1 mug/g, respectively. The association between current asthma and exposure to dust mite and cat allergens was positive but not statistically significant.

Conclusion: This research identified several potential indoor and outdoor risk factors for asthma in Mohawks homes, of which avoidance may reduce or delay the development of asthma in susceptible individuals.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Map of the Akwesasne.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Frequency distribution of cat allergen levels (Fel d 1) in dust samples collected in homes of Mohawk children.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Frequency distribution of dust mite allergen levels (Der p 1) found in homes of Mohawk children.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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