Association of residential dampness and mold with respiratory tract infections a

[Guest guest]

Association of residential dampness and mold with respiratory tract infections

and bronchitis: a meta-analysis

http://7thspace.com/headlines/363762/association_of_residential_dampness_and_mol\

d_with_respiratory_tract_infections_and_bronchitis_a_meta_analysis_.html

Dampness and mold have been shown in qualitative reviews to be associated with a

variety of adverse respiratory health effects, including respiratory tract

infections. Several published meta-analyses have provided quantitative summaries

for some of these associations, but not for respiratory infections.

Demonstrating a causal relationship between dampness-related agents, which are

preventable exposures, and respiratory tract infections would suggest important

new public health strategies. We report the results of quantitative

meta-analyses of published studies that examined the association of dampness or

mold in homes with respiratory infections and bronchitis.

Methods: For primary studies meeting eligibility criteria, we transformed

reported odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) to the log scale.

Both fixed and random effects models were applied to the log ORs and their

variances. Most studies contained multiple estimated ORs.

Models accounted for the correlation between multiple results within the studies

analyzed. One set of analyses was performed with all eligible studies, and

another set restricted to studies that controlled for age, gender, smoking, and

socioeconomic status.

Subgroups of studies were assessed to explore heterogeneity. Funnel plots were

used to assess publication bias.

Results: The resulting summary estimates of ORs from random effects models based

on all studies ranged from 1.38 to 1.50, with 95% CIs excluding the null in all

cases.

Use of different analysis models and restricting analyses based on control of

multiple confounding variables changed findings only slightly. ORs (95% CIs)

from random effects models using studies adjusting for major confounding

variables were, for bronchitis, 1.45 (1.32-1.59); for respiratory infections,

1.44 (1.31-1.59); for respiratory infections excluding nonspecific upper

respiratory infections, 1.50 (1.32-1.70), and for respiratory infections in

children or infants, 1.48 (1.33-1.65).

Little effect of publication bias was evident. Estimated attributable risk

proportions ranged from 9% to 20%.

Conclusions: Residential dampness and mold are associated with substantial and

statistically significant increases in both respiratory infections and

bronchitis.

If these associations were confirmed as causal, effective control of dampness

and mold in buildings would prevent a substantial proportion of respiratory

infections.

Author: FiskEkaterina EliseevaMark Mendell

Credits/Source: Environmental Health 2010, 9:72

Published on: 2010-11-15

[Guest guest]

Bill Fisk is one of the top researchers with very high credibility and

integrity.

Carl Grimes

Healthy Habitats LLC

(fm my Blackberry)

[] Association of residential dampness and mold with

respiratory tract infections a

Association of residential dampness and mold with respiratory tract infections

and bronchitis: a meta-analysis

http://7thspace.com/headlines/363762/association_of_residential_dampness_and_mol\

d_with_respiratory_tract_infections_and_bronchitis_a_meta_analysis_.html

Dampness and mold have been shown in qualitative reviews to be associated with a

variety of adverse respiratory health effects, including respiratory tract

infections. Several published meta-analyses have provided quantitative summaries

for some of these associations, but not for respiratory infections.

Demonstrating a causal relationship between dampness-related agents, which are

preventable exposures, and respiratory tract infections would suggest important

new public health strategies. We report the results of quantitative

meta-analyses of published studies that examined the association of dampness or

mold in homes with respiratory infections and bronchitis.

Methods: For primary studies meeting eligibility criteria, we transformed

reported odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) to the log scale.

Both fixed and random effects models were applied to the log ORs and their

variances. Most studies contained multiple estimated ORs.

Models accounted for the correlation between multiple results within the studies

analyzed. One set of analyses was performed with all eligible studies, and

another set restricted to studies that controlled for age, gender, smoking, and

socioeconomic status.

Subgroups of studies were assessed to explore heterogeneity. Funnel plots were

used to assess publication bias.

Results: The resulting summary estimates of ORs from random effects models based

on all studies ranged from 1.38 to 1.50, with 95% CIs excluding the null in all

cases.

Use of different analysis models and restricting analyses based on control of

multiple confounding variables changed findings only slightly. ORs (95% CIs)

from random effects models using studies adjusting for major confounding

variables were, for bronchitis, 1.45 (1.32-1.59); for respiratory infections,

1.44 (1.31-1.59); for respiratory infections excluding nonspecific upper

respiratory infections, 1.50 (1.32-1.70), and for respiratory infections in

children or infants, 1.48 (1.33-1.65).

Little effect of publication bias was evident. Estimated attributable risk

proportions ranged from 9% to 20%.

Conclusions: Residential dampness and mold are associated with substantial and

statistically significant increases in both respiratory infections and

bronchitis.

If these associations were confirmed as causal, effective control of dampness

and mold in buildings would prevent a substantial proportion of respiratory

infections.

Author: FiskEkaterina EliseevaMark Mendell

Credits/Source: Environmental Health 2010, 9:72

Published on: 2010-11-15