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Energy efficient public housing may increase asthma risk in adults

Adults living in energy efficient public housing may be at increased risk for developing asthma, according to data from a recent study.

“Energy efficiency may increase the risk of adults reporting that they had visited a doctor in the last 12 months for asthma in this population residing in social housing,” researchers wrote.

The study focused on a population of adults living in public housing in the United Kingdom. Participants were recruited from 3,867 questionnaires sent to the postal address of tenancy holders. The questionnaires were conducted in phases during August 2012, October and November 2013 and January 2014. The response rate was 18% (n=944).

Each increase in household energy efficiency was linked to a 2% to 3% increase in risk for an asthma-related doctor visit among adults in the last year. Researchers indicated mold growth and the presence of a dank odor were linked with a two-fold increased risk for current asthma (OR=2.2; 95% CI, 1.3-3.8).

Only 4% of the participants had a functioning chimney which would have increased ventilation in the house.

Researchers indicated the lack of ventilation could lead to an increased risk for asthma because of several factors including increases in dampness and mold.

“The lack of ventilation and elevated dampness may lead to the proliferation of house dust mites and elevated concentrations of volatile organic compounds, which are known risk factors for asthma sufferers and may also explain the association between energy efficiency and asthma,” researchers wrote.

However researchers acknowledged more research is needed to have a representative sample of the general population.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.