Early age exposure to moisture and mould is related to FeNO at the age of 6 years.

Background Exposure to indoor moisture damage and visible mould has been found to be associated with asthma and respiratory symptoms in several questionnaire-based studies by self-report. We aimed to define the prospective association between the early life exposure to residential moisture damage or mould and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and lung function parameters as objective markers for airway inflammation and asthma in 6-year old children. Methods Home inspections were performed in children's homes when infants were on average 5 months old. At age 6 years, data on FeNO (n=322) as well as lung function (n=216) measurements were collected. Logistic regression and generalized additive models were used for statistical analyses. Results Early age major moisture damage and moisture damage or mould in the child's main living areas was significantly associated with increased FeNO levels (>75th percentile) at the age of 6 years (adjusted Odds Ratios, 95% Confidence Intervals, aOR (95%CI): 3.10 (1.35-7.07)) and 3.16 (1.43-6.98), respectively). Effects were more pronounced in those who did not change residential address throughout the study period. For lung function, major structural damage within the whole home was associated with reduced FEV1 and FVC, but not with FEV1/FVC. No association with lung function was observed with early moisture damage or mould in the child's main living areas. Conclusion These results underline the importance of prevention and remediation efforts of moisture and mould damaged buildings in order to avoid harmful effects within the vulnerable phase of the infants and children's immunological development.