Microbial exposures, cleaning products and child health
Year: 2013
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Background and aims: The immune, respiratory and central nervous system start developing during pregnancy and continue during the first years of life. Therefore, environmental exposures during these periods may play a role on the maturation of these systems. In particular, the exposure to indoor microbial agents, indoor factors such as pets or dampness, and to household cleaning products during infancy or childhood may have important implications in the development processes. This thesis aims to assess the long term effects of indoor exposure to microbial agents and chemical based cleaning products on respiratory and mental health among children from birth to the age of 13 years old. Methods: We used data from nine European birth cohorts that are part of three projects: the European HITEA project, the Spanish INMA project; and the German GINIplus and LISAplus birth cohort studies. Information on the exposure to indoor dampness, pet ownership, the use of cleaning products and allergy and respiratory health was periodically collected through questionnaires and health tests. Living room dust samples were collected when the children were 2-3 months and analysed for microbial agents concentrations (bacterial endotoxin, fungal extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) from Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp, and mould β(1,3)- glucans). Multivariable regression models were used to assess the associations between the exposures and the health outcomes. Results: 1) Concentrations of measured microbial agents varied differently across the cohorts. 2) Season of dust sampling, dog ownership, indoor report of dampness, and number of people living in the home is associated with the concentrations of microbial agents. 3) Early life exposure to endotoxin and dogs in the home is associated with lower levels of FeNO at school age. 4) Domestic use of cleaning sprays, air fresheners and solvents during pregnancy is associated with a higher prevalence of wheezing and LRTI during the first year of life. 5) At school age, bystander exposure to domestic cleaning sprays increases the levels of FeNO, and exposure to air freshening sprays and solvents decreases the lung function. 6) Persistent exposure to indoor dampness during early life has negative effects on the cognitive function and social competences at 4 years old. 7) Exposure to visible mould, dampness and pet ownership during the first 10 years of life increases the risk of borderline or abnormal scores in the SDQ at 10 years of age. Conclusion: Our results suggest that indoor exposure to microbial agents during early life and exposure to chemical based cleaning products during pregnancy, infancy and childhood play a role in the development of the respiratory, immune and central nervous systems.
Authors: C Ceacero Ruiz, Lidia
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2480163374