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Effects of Allergen Exposure and Environmental Risk Factors in Schools on Childhood Asthma

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review aims to assess the prevalence of common allergen exposures and environmental risk factors for asthma in schools, examine the underlying mechanisms of these environmental risk factors, and explore possible prevention strategies.

Recent Findings

Cockroach, mouse, dust mites, fungi, viral infections, ozone pollution, and cleaning products are common allergen exposures and environmental risk factors in schools which may affect asthma morbidity. Novel modifiable environmental risk factors in schools are also being investigated to identify potential associations with increased asthma morbidity.

Summary

While several studies have investigated the benefit of environmental remediation strategies in schools and their impact on asthma morbidity, future studies are warranted to further define the effects of modifiable risk factors in schools and determine whether school mitigation strategies may help improve asthma symptoms in students with asthma.

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Funding

The study was financially supported by NIH T32 AI 007512, NIH U01 AI 152033, NIH K24 AI 106822, NIH K23 ES 035459, and NIH U01 AI 160087.

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  1. Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA

    Eva Yarsky

  2. Division of Allergy and Immunology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Tina M. Banzon & Wanda Phipatanakul

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  1. Eva Yarsky
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E.Y. wrote the main manuscript text and it was reviewed by T.M.B. and W.P.

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Correspondence to Wanda Phipatanakul.

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Yarsky, E., Banzon, T.M. & Phipatanakul, W. Effects of Allergen Exposure and Environmental Risk Factors in Schools on Childhood Asthma. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 23, 613–620 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-023-01108-8

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