Indoor allergens can significantly increase morbidity in atopic children with asthma. The purpose of this study was to relate allergen-specific home characteristics to measured allergen levels in the homes of asthmatic children.

As part of an ongoing environmental intervention study, pet, cockroach, and dust mite allergen levels were collected from the homes of 341 children. Trained inspectors documented characteristics of homes located in suburban Maryland (76%) and Baltimore City (23%). We used factor analyses and linear regressions to explore the relationship between evidence found during home inspection and allergen levels.

Factor analyses identified groups of independent home characteristics associated with each allergen. The combined evidence of roaches, plumbing leaks, dirty cooking pots and city dwelling was significantly associated with cockroach allergen levels (t=8.6, p<0.00). However, poor kitchen cleanliness, including exposed food and surface clutter, was less clearly associated (t=1.8, p=0.08). The presence of surface clutter, detached home, and infrequent cleaning of the bedroom floor were significantly associated with dust mite allergen levels (t=2.8, p=0.01). Presence of mattress/pillow encasements, however, did not predict dust mite allergen levels. Evidence of pet ownership (t=7.7, p<0.00), detached home in a suburban setting and infrequent washing of bedding statistically predicted pet allergen levels (t=3.4, p<0.00).

Analysis of a large cohort study demonstrated that cockroach allergen could be predicted by infestation, plumbing leaks and greasy stoves, but not by kitchen debris. Mite allergen was predicted by infrequent cleaning and surface clutter, but was unaffected by presence of mattress or pillow encasements.