18-year evolution of asthma and allergic diseases in French urban schoolchildren in relation to indoor air pollutant levels.

Background: An initial epidemiological study carried out 18 years ago in Marseilles indicated that the air quality in schools was poor and that there was an association between the level of fine particulates and the occurrence of asthma in children. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the change in the prevalence of childhood asthma and allergic diseases and their link with the levels of air pollutants and other factors of potential risk.

Methods: In 2016, using a questionnaire identical to the one used for the 1st survey in 1998-1999, we collected information regarding the symptoms, the diagnosis, and the potential confounding factors.

Climate and Allergic Sensitization to Airborne Allergens in the General Population: Data from the French Six Cities Study.

Background: The results of international epidemiological surveys show large geographical variations in skin test reactivity but do not provide a rationale for such variations.

Objective: To assess the relationship between climate and allergic sensitization in schoolchildren.

Methods: In the present study, we analyzed data from a multicenter, epidemiological survey that included 6,461 schoolchildren, aged 9-11 years, living in 6 French cities scattered around France.

Mycotoxin identification in moldy dwellings.

The objective of this study was to assess the level of macrocyclic trichothecenes (MCT), one of the most potent mycotoxins, on wall surfaces, floor dust and air samples from moldy dwellings. The study was based on an index group comprising 15 flooded dwellings contaminated by Stachybotrys chartarum or Chaetomium and a control group comprising nine dwellings without molds on visual inspection and mold sampling. Three samples were collected from each dwelling: a sample from the moldy wall, using a swab, a floor dust sample on a 0.