School exposure and asthma

Abstract

Objective: To provide a comprehensive overview of common school exposures and the association between school exposures and pediatric asthma morbidity.

Data sources: A comprehensive literature review was performed using PubMed.

Study selections: Full-length, peer-reviewed studies published in English were considered for review. In vivo, in vitro, and animal studies were excluded. Studies of school exposure to cockroach, mouse, dust mite, dog, cat, molds, pollution, and endotoxin associated with asthma and asthma morbidity were considered.

Results: The current literature establishes an association between school exposure and pediatric asthma morbidity. There is a need for ongoing research to evaluate the effects of school-based environmental interventions on asthma morbidity.

Conclusion: It is evident that the indoor school environment is a significant reservoir of allergens, molds, pollutants, and endotoxin and that there is an association between school exposure and pediatric asthma morbidity. School-based interventions have the potential for substantial individual, community, and public health benefit. It is important that researchers continue to study the health effects associated with school exposures and assess cost-effectiveness of multifaceted school-based interventions.