Mouse allergens in urban elementary schools and homes of children with asthma

Background: The association between allergens in schools and childhood asthma has not been well studied, particularly ill the United States. Objective: To investigate allergen exposure in schools compared with homes with it specific focus on children with asthma. Methods: Dust samples were collected from 46 rooms in 4 urban elementary schools (northeastern United States) and from 38 student bedrooms. Samples were analyzed for cat (Fel d 1), dog (Can f 1). cockroach (Bla g 2), dust mites (Der f 1/Del- p 1), and Mouse urinary protein (MUP). Questionnaires identified Students with physician-diagnosed asthma. Results: Cat and dog allergens were detectable in most school samples (96% and 78%, respectively), but at low levels. Cockroach allergen was detectable in only 11% of school samples. Mouse allergen was detectable in 89% of school samples, with 68% having MUP levels greater than 0.5 mu g/g. In contrast, MUP was detectable in only 26% of bedroom samples. Matched classroom and home samples from 23 asthmatic Students showed higher geometric mean MUP levels in the classroom vs the home (6.45 mu g/g vs 0.44 mu g/g, P < .001). However, there were lower geometric mean dust mile (Der f 1) levels in the classroom vs the home (0.04 mu g/g vs 0.66 mu g/g, P < .001). Conclusions: There are significantly higher levels of MUP but lower levels of Der f 1 in schools vs homes. It is important to recognize that children with asthma may encounter varying levels of allergens in environments outside the home, such as schools.