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Targeted interventions reduced mold spores in children’s bedrooms

Targeted home interventions designed to control moisture can reduce fungal spore levels in children’s bedrooms by an average of 70% to 80% when mold is present, according to findings presented during the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting.

A study by the Kansas City Safe and Healthy Home Partnership (HHP) was conducted as a sub-investigation to determine if the indoor fungal spore levels, specifically Aspergillus and Penicillium, in children’s bedrooms were significantly reduced after targeted interventions. HHP is an environmental home assessment program that provides education and targeted home interventions for asthmatic children. Children with persistent asthma also receive a follow-up visit to determine the effect of these interventions, according to a presentation by Tara Federly, MD, of Kansas City, Mo.

“This investigation further emphasizes the importance of evaluating home environments and individualizing interventions in order to reduce potential triggers for children with asthma. We believe that routine evaluation of a child's home environment will provide the individualized care that is required for optimal outcomes in many diseases, including asthma,” Federly told Infectious Diseases in Children. “Of course, further investigation is needed to determine the clinical significance of our findings.”

The researchers analyzed charts of the first 31 families enrolled in HHP with follow-up visits. Airborne fungal spores were collected in the child’s bedroom onto a silicon grease-coated glass slide at the initial and follow-up visit. The spores were counted using light microscopy.

Each family received education about the importance of reducing indoor mold exposure. Dehumidifiers and moisture-control interventions were provided based on HHP protocol, including repair of the indoor and outdoor structures. Only children’s bedrooms with detectable fungal spores on the initial assessment were included in the study.

Of the 31 charts reviewed, 18 of the children’s bedrooms had reductions in fungal spore levels (mean reduction, 77%), one bedroom had no change and five bedrooms had an increase in spore levels, according to Federly. Seven of the children’s bedrooms were excluded based on study criteria.

All of the four homes given dehumidifiers had a reduction in spore levels in the children’s bedrooms, which results in a mean reduction 70%. Of the 17 homes with other moisture-control interventions, 12 of the children’s bedrooms had a reduction in spore levels (mean reduction, 81%), one bedroom had no change and four bedrooms had an increase in spore levels. The children’s bedrooms with an increase in fungal spore levels are being further investigated.

Overall, Aspergillus and Penicillium spore levels in the children’s bedrooms were significantly reduced after targeted interventions (P=.029, Wilcoxon signed-rank test).

Disclosure: Dr. Federly received a travel grant from Dey Pharma.

For more information:

• Federly T. P32. Presented at: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting; Nov. 3-8, 2011; Boston.

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