| National Prevalence and Exposure Risk for Cockroach Allergen in U.S. Households Richard D. Cohn,1 Samuel J. Arbes Jr.,2 Renee Jaramillo,1 Laura H. Reid,1 and Darryl C. Zeldin2 1Constella Group, LLC, Durham, North Carolina, USA; 2National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA Abstract
We characterized the prevalence of cockroach allergen exposure in a nationally representative sample of U.S. homes and assessed risk factors for elevated concentrations. Design: We used data from the National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing, a population-based cross-sectional survey. Participants: Participants were residents of 831 U.S. homes in the survey. Evaluations/Measurements: We analyzed allergen, questionnaire, and observational data of 831 U.S. homes. Results: Cockroach allergen (Bla g 1) concentrations exceed 2.0 U/g, a level associated with allergic sensitization, in 11% of U.S. living room floors and 13% of kitchen floors. Concentrations exceed 8.0 U/g, a level associated with asthma morbidity, in 3% of living room floors and 10% of kitchen floors. Elevated concentrations were observed in high-rise apartments, urban settings, pre-1940 constructions, and households with incomes < $20,000. Odds of having concentrations > 8.0 U/g were greatest when roach problems were reported or observed and increased with the number of cockroaches observed and with indications of recent cockroach activity. Conclusions: Household cockroach allergen exposure is characterized in a nationally representative context. The allergen is prevalent in many settings, at levels that may contribute to allergic sensitization and asthma morbidity. Relevance to Clinical or Professional Practice: Likelihood of exposure can be assessed by consideration of demographic and household determinants. Key words: allergens, asthma, Bla g 1, cockroach allergen. Environ Health Perspect 114:522-526 (2006) . doi:10.1289/ehp.8561 available via http://dx.doi.org/ [Online 15 November 2005]
Address correspondence to D.C. Zeldin, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/National Institutes of Health, 111 Alexander Dr., Mail Drop D2-02, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA. Telephone: (919) 541-1169. Fax: (919) 541-4133. E-mail: zeldin@niehs.nih.gov We thank M. Muilenberg, H. Burge, B. Spruell, D. Baird, and S. London for their contributions leading to the preparation of the manuscript. This research was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The authors declare they have no competing financial interests. Received 4 August 2005 ; accepted 15 November 2005.
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