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Fungal Exposure in Urban Schools and Associated Classroom Factors
Abstract   Peer reviewed

Fungal Exposure in Urban Schools and Associated Classroom Factors

Ellen Conroy, Sachin Baxi, Abhinav Kaushik, Nervana Metwali, Peter Thorne, Kari Nadeau and Wanda Phipatanakul
Journal of allergy and clinical immunology, Vol.155(2 Supplement), p.AB122
02/2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.12.387

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Abstract

Rationale The home environment is a well-established source of fungal exposure impacting asthma, but the school setting remains underexplored. We examined fungal exposure in classrooms and associated environmental factors. Methods (1-3)-ß-D-glucan levels, 36 mold species’ concentrations (determined via quantitative PCR), and Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) scores, including group 1 scores (sum of water damage-associated molds) and group 2 scores (sum of molds not water damage-associated), were obtained from dust samples in 268 classrooms in 41 urban northeastern schools in the School Inner-City Asthma Intervention Study. Classroom characteristics were obtained via questionnaires. Statistical associations were predicted using linear mixed effect models; random effects were school identifiers. Results (1-3)-ß-D-glucan level was associated (p<0.05) with mice signs. ERMI score was associated with class pet, visible mildew, and moisture/water leaks. Group 1 score was associated with mice signs and visible mildew. Group 2 score was associated with cockroach signs, mice signs, and mustiness. Among the 36 molds, Cladosporium Cladosporioides Type 1 was most prevalent (mean:6.36 CE/mg dust; SD:0.94), associated with cockroach signs and mustiness. Characteristics associated with ≥1 mold were cockroach signs (n=17 molds), visible mildew (n=16), mustiness (n=8), mice signs (n=5), moisture/water leaks (n=4), class pet (n=4), outside door (n=3), floor level (n=2), window number (n=1), air conditioner (n=1), and high efficiency particulate air filter (n=1). Conclusions The classroom is a source of fungal exposure. Measurement of fungal species, ERMI scores, and (1-3)-ß-D-glucan levels all provide unique information when evaluating characteristics affecting fungal exposure. Understanding these relationships may help inform school interventions to reduce fungal exposure.

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