Asthma risks 'may be boosted by energy efficient homes'

Date: Dec-15-2014 A new study from researchers at the University of Exeter Medical School in the UK suggests energy efficient homes may increase asthma risks.

"Adults living in energy efficient social housing may have an increased risk of asthma," say the researchers.

This week, the British government pledged £30 million ($47 million) in funding for energy efficient improvements. However, the new study - published in the journal Environment International - argues that behavioral changes are needed to avoid this drive toward energy efficient homes boosting asthma risk.

The UK, the researchers remind, has one of the highest occurrences of asthma in the world.

The researchers worked with UK social housing provider Coastline Housing to assess data from the residents of 700 properties in Cornwall. They report that people living in energy efficient homes were at increased risk of asthma, which was doubled if mold was present in the home.

"Energy efficiency measures are vital to help keep costs low and reduce the environmental impact of heating our homes," says Mark England, head of Technical Services at Coastline Housing.

He says that the new study has provided an "invaluable insight" into how occupant behavior in fuel efficient homes can affect health.

"As a result," he says, "we're working to provide better information to customers on how to manage their indoor environment, including potential training of volunteer sustainability champions."

This is the first study, the researchers say, to combine asset management data with information on occupant behavior and health in an assessment of the factors likely to contribute to asthma.

"We've found that adults living in energy efficient social housing may have an increased risk of asthma," says lead author Richard Sharpe. He continues:

"Modern efficiency measures are vital to help curb energy use, and typically prevent heat loss through improved insulation and crack sealing. Yet some people, particularly those living in fuel poverty, are unlikely to heat a building enough - or ventilate it sufficiently - to prevent the presence of damp and mold, factors that we know can contribute to asthma."

Poorly ventilated homes contribute to participants' exposure to biological, chemical and physical contaminants that can worsen asthma. Other contributing factors to asthma risk include house dust mites and bacteria, which can affect the health of inhabitants in homes with high humidity.

Some occupant behaviors, such as drying washing indoors or relying on old heating systems, can increase the levels of indoor humidity in a property, which can be worsened by energy efficient moves to seal cracks and gaps.

Higher asthma prevalence among poorly ventilated homes with gas stoves

Looking at other factors in the home that can exacerbate asthma, a recent study from Oregon State University reported that in homes where a gas stove is used without ventilation, the prevalence of wheezing and asthma is higher than in homes with ventilation.

The Oregon State study found that children who lived in homes where gas stoves were used with an exhaust fan were 32% less likely to have asthma than children who lived in homes where ventilation was not used.

Also, children in homes that had ventilation for their gas stoves were 38% less likely to have bronchitis and 39% less likely to have wheezing. Lung function was also found to be significantly improved among girls from homes that had ventilation for their stoves.

Many study participants also reported using their gas stove for heating, which is linked to poorer respiratory health for children. In homes where gas stoves were used in this way, children were 44% less likely to have asthma and 43% less likely to have bronchitis if ventilation was available.

Written by David McNamee

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Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.