Associations between building characteristics and children's allergic symptoms – A cross-sectional study on child's health and home in Seoul, South Korea ☆

Abstract A cross-sectional study on the home environment and asthma and allergy in children was carried out among children 1–8 years old in Seoul, South Korea from 2009 to 2010. Questionnaires were distributed to 5107 parents through daycare centers and kindergartens; 2755 parents responded, a response rate of 54%. Seven percent and 23% of children were reported to have doctor-diagnosed asthma and hay fever, respectively. A majority (57%) of the families reported having PVC flooring in child's or parents' bedroom. More than 96% of homes used a floor heating system. PVC was used more often as a floor covering in single family houses than in apartments (67% vs. 49%, p