Publication
Title
Domestic use of hypochlorite bleach, atopic sensitization, and respiratory symptoms in adults
Author
Abstract
Background: Professional use of hypochlorite (bleach) has been associated with respiratory symptoms. Bleach is capable of inactivating allergens, and there are indications that its domestic use may reduce the risk of allergies in children. Objective: To study the associations between household use of bleach and atopic sensitization, allergic diseases, and respiratory health status in adults. Methods: We identified 3626 participants of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey 11 in 10 countries who did the cleaning in their homes and for whom data on specific serum IgE to 4 environmental allergens were available. Frequency of bleach use and information on respiratory symptoms were obtained in face-to-face interviews. House dust mite and cat allergens in mattress dust were measured in a subsample. Associations between the frequency of bleach use and health outcomes were evaluated by using multivariable mixed logistic regression analyses. Results: The use of bleach was associated with less atopic sensitization (odds ratio [OR], 0.75; 95% CI, 0.63-0.89). This association was apparent for specific IgE to both indoor (cat) and outdoor (grass) allergens, and was consistent in various subgroups, including those without any history of respiratory problems (OR, 0.85). Dose-response relationships (P<.05) were apparent for the frequency of bleach use and sensitization rates. Lower respiratory tract symptoms, but not allergic symptoms, were more prevalent among those using bleach 4 or more days per week (OR, 1.24-1.49). The use of bleach was not associated with indoor allergen concentrations. Conclusion: People who clean their homes with hypochlorite bleach are less likely to be atopic but more likely to have respiratory symptoms. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009;124:7318.)
Language
English
Source (journal)
The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. - St. Louis, Mo., 1971, currens
Publication
St. Louis, Mo. : 2009
ISSN
0091-6749
DOI
10.1016/J.JACI.2009.06.007
Volume/pages
124 :4 (2009) , p. 731-738
ISI
000270802800017
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 24.02.2012
Last edited 23.08.2022
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