Asthma and the Link to Exposure to Mold and Bacteria

A new study by European scientists has found that children who grow up on a farm appear to be less likely to develop asthma. In February of this year it was reported in HealthDay News that, “The risk of asthma was reduced by as much as 51 percent for children living on farms, and researchers suspect that it’s the diversity of exposure to different microbes that may offer protection against the airway disease.”

Asthma attacks create an inflammation of the lungs and airways leading to difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath and even death. Asthma in children has been reported to be on the rise in many industrialized countries. The article goes on to state that, “Numerous studies have also found that exposure to a variety of microbes in the environment, such as bacteria or fungi, appear to provide protection against asthma, perhaps by helping the body create a tolerance for allergens.”

In December, an article posted by Time reported that 4.9 million people in California alone suffer from asthma. Research from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research the condition disproportionately affects low income residents. The article also states that between 2001 and 2007 there was a 13% overall increase in the asthma rate.

“The reports seem to indicate that as our society becomes more urbanized, we may be creating environments conducive to increased rates of asthma,” reported Derrick A. Denis, V.P. Indoor Environmental Quality at Clark Seif Clark (CSC), a leading provider of indoor air quality investigations. “Exposure to mold, dust mites or other microbial contaminants in indoor environments can trigger asthma attacks in susceptible populations. There are available testing solutions to help measure concentrations of airborne and accumulated microbial elements in homes, schools and offices,” he continued.

To learn more about IAQ, or how CSC can help with this and other environmental issues, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118.

About Clark Seif Clark (CSC)
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both the public and private sectors address environmental health and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail