INDOOR ALLERGENS IN SCHOOLS: A COMPARISON BETWEEN SWEDEN AND CHINA

摘要

There are few studies comparing indoor allergens schools from different parts of the world. We measured allergens levels in 23 classrooms in Uppsala, Sweden, and 30 classrooms in Shanghai, China. Dust was collected by vacuum cleaning, and analysed for allergens from cat (Fel d 1), dog (Can f 1), horse (Equ cx), house dust mites (Der p 1, Der f 1), cockroach (Bla g 1), and mould (Alternaria altemata, Alt a 1) by ELISA. All Swedish classrooms had cat allergen, and most had dog and horse allergens. In Shanghai, 13% had cat allergen, and 7% dog allergen, while none had horse allergen. House dust mite, cockroach and Alternaria allergen were not detected in any sample from either country. Pet allergy and current asthma were less common in Shanghai. Causative factors could be less furry pets at home, wearing of school uniforms resulting in reduced influx of allergens, and less fittings and textiles.