House Dust May Protect Against Allergies
Posted on: Tuesday, 22 May 2007, 11:35 CDT
A U.S. study suggests early exposure to endotoxins -- substances made by bacteria -- might reduce the risk of allergic eczema or wheezing.
Researchers at the Arizona Respiratory Center said their study suggests such exposure can offer protection when it occurs before the age of three years.
Endotoxin is a part of the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria, a type of bacteria that often causes disease. It is released when the bacteria dies or is damaged.
The new study found the lower the amount of endotoxin in young children's homes, the more likely they would develop wheezing or eczema by age 3. The higher the amount of endotoxin in their homes, the less likely they were to develop either condition.
Researcher Melisa Celaya found certain environmental factors increased the levels of endotoxin in a home. Having a home older than 30 years, substandard home conditions, carpeting, a musty smell and interior wall leaks were all associated with higher levels of endotoxin.
The research was detailed during the weekend in San Francisco during the American Thoracic Society's annual conference.
Source: United Press International
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