House Dust and Its Adverse Health Effects

Abstract

In this review, we examine house dust and its effect on inhabitants’ health. Residential house dust includes components from plants, pollens, microorganisms, insects, skin flakes, hairs and fibers. It also includes materials contaminated with chemicals from combustion, furniture, interior materials, electronics, cleaning agents, personal care products. Nowadays, most people spend their time indoors. Thus, dust is an important medium of exposure to pollutions. According to United States Environmental Protection Agency Exposure Factors Handbook, the estimated amount of dust ingestion is 30 mg/day for adults, and 60 mg/day for children over 1 year of age. Since 2003, we have been conducting epidemiological studies to find the association between the indoor environment and the inhabitants’ health. The levels of mite allergens, endotoxins, and β-1,3-d-glucan in house dust were measured as biological factors. Semi volatile organic compounds (SVOC) such as phthalates and phosphate flame retardants (PFRs) in dust were also analyzed. As a result, we found that the ORs (95%CI) of nasal and optical symptoms of sick building syndrome (SBS) were 1.45 (1.01–2.10) and 1.47 (1.14–1.88), respectively, when there was a 10-fold increase in the levels of mite allergens. There was no association of mite allergens with allergies. Endotoxins and β-1,3-d-glucan did not show any association with SBS. Regarding SVOC, increased levels of phthalates and PFR increased the risk of allergies. The association between phthalates and increased risk of allergies was clearer among children than adults. There were no gold standards of dust sampling and pretreatment methods. Thus, caution is needed when comparing findings of various studies. Methods should accurately reflect exposure levels.