Scientists working together as part of the ENRIECO consortium have analysed data from 31,742 children across eight ongoing European birth cohorts, and found that a mouldy home environment is associated with an increased risk of asthma, particularly in children, and allergic rhinitis symptoms in school age children.

Mouldiness of the home was assessed by parent questionnaires at different points, and it was found that exposure to mould and/or visible damp during the first 2 years of a child’s life was associated with an increased risk of developing asthma. The children in six of the cohorts showed a significant association with developing allergic rhinitis at school age, and at any time between ages 3 to 10 years.

Source: European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

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First published in September 2011

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