Environmental chemicals relevant for respiratory hypersensitivity: the indoor environment

doi:10.1016/0378-4274(96)03685-5

Toxicology Letters

Volume 86, Issues 2–3, August 1996, Pages 155-162

https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-4274(96)03685-5 Get rights and content

Abstract

The allergenic constituents of non-industrial indoor environments are predominantly found in the biologic fraction. Several reports have related biological particles such as mites and their excreta, dander from pets and other furred animals, fungi and bacteria to allergic manifestations including respiratory hypersensitivity among the occupants of buildings. Also, bacterial cell-wall components and the spores of toxin-producing moulds may contribute to the induction of hypersensitivity, but the relevance for human health is not yet determined. The knowledge regarding hypersensitivity and asthmatic reactions after exposure to chemical agents is primarily based on data from occupational settings with much higher exposure levels than usually found in non-industrial indoor environments. However, there is evidence that indoor exposure to tobacco smoke, some volatile organic compounds (VOC) and various combustion products (either by using unvented stoves or from outdoor sources) can be related to asthmatic symptoms. In some susceptible individuals, the development of respiratory hypersensitivity or elicitation of asthmatic symptoms may also be related to the indiscriminate use of different household products followed by exposure to compounds such as diisocyanates, organic acid anhydrides, formaldehyde, styrene and hydroquinone. At present, the contribution of the indoor environment both to the development of respiratory hypersensitivity and for triggering asthmatic symptoms is far from elucidated.

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Research articleEnvironmental chemicals relevant for respiratory hypersensitivity: the indoor environment

Abstract

Environ. Res.

J. Allergy Clin. Immunol.

Environ. Res.

J. Allergy Clin. Immunol.

J. All. Clin. Immunol.

Lancet

Immunol. Allerg. Clin. N. Am

Allergic reactions to indoor air pollutants

Environ. Health Perspect.

Residential characteristics and allergic sensitization in children, especially to mites

Indoor risk factors in young children with asthma

J. Allergy Clin. Immunol.

Lung function and bronchial reactivity in asthmatics during exposure to volatile organic compounds

Am. Rev. Respir. Dis.

Indoor air quality: organic pollutants

Driver exposure to volatile organic compounds, CO, ozone and N02 under different driving conditions

Environ. Sei. Technol.

Student's exposure to volatile organic compounds while commuting by motorcycle and bus in Taipei city

J. Air Waste Manage. Assoc.

Individual and population exposures to gasoline

J. Exp. Anal. Environ. Epidemial.

Exposure to emissions from gasoline within automobile cabins

J. Exp. Anal. Environ. Epidemiol.

Non-specific symptoms in office workers: a review and summary of the epidemiologic literature

Adaptation and ventilation requirements

Volatile organic compounds, indoor air quality and health

Relative sensitivity of the ocular trigeminal, nasal trigeminal and olfactory systems to airborne chemicals

Chem. Senses

The physiologic response of guinea pigs to atmospheric pollutants

Int. J. Air Pollut

Low concentrations of formaldehyde in bronchial asthma: a study of exposure under controlled conditions

Br. Med. J.

Studies on immunological and biochemical effects of isocyanate vapors in man

Eur. J. Respir. Dis.

Research article
Environmental chemicals relevant for respiratory hypersensitivity: the indoor environment