Distribution of Endotoxin and House Dust

Abstract

This research has been steadily conducted, as part of cohort studies for examination into relations with genetic factors, dietary habits and environmental factors in relation to asthma, since 2009. Based on data on environmental researches on house dust mites and endotoxins widely known as causative pollutants of asthma in bedding of pregnant women and children, it has been conducted to be used as basic data for future successful achievement of cohort studies according to linkage analysis of distribution features of biological hazards and physical features of residential environments. The detection rates of house dust mites allergens, Der p1 and Der f1, were 52.7% and 86.5%, respectively, indicating that Der f1 is a dominant species in domestic indoor environments. According to comparison between concentrations of house dust mites and endotoxins in bedding of pregnant women and children, Der p1 and endotoxins showed statistically significantly lower concentrations in bedding of pregnant women, compared with those in bedding of children, whereas Der f1 show no statistically significant difference in concentrations in bedding of the two. By comparison of concentration differences according to building deterioration, bedroom type, ventilation time and use of air cleaners and humidifiers, among living and residential environmental factors, while house dust mites, Der p1 and Der f1, had no difference in concentrations, endotoxins showed a difference in concentrations according to use of humidifiers.