| In a study published in the October 24th online edition of the European Respiratory Journal, researchers assessed the effects of mothers’ domestic chemical use during pregnancy on wheezing and lung function in children up to 8 ½ years and to explore the potential modifying effect of allergic hypersensitivity. Researchers reviewed the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children for a maternal composite household chemical exposure score (CHCE). The relationship between the CHCE, wheezing outcomes, lung function, and interactions with allergic hypersensitivity was assessed. Results showed that an increased CHCE score was associated with early and intermediate onset persistent and late onset wheezing in children without allergic hypersensitivity. The authors concluded that higher domestic chemical exposure during pregnancy was associated with persistent wheeze and lung function abnormalities in children without allergic hypersensitivity. This may result from prenatal developmental effects or postnatal irritant effects in the developing airway, but is unlikely to be mediated through increased hygiene in the home. To view the abstract visit http://tinyurl.com/2aavkw. |
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