The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) has published guidelines on the effects of indoor air pollutants on the development and course of asthma. They cover four key factors: volatile organic compounds (VOCs), cleaning agents, moisture and mold, and pesticides. Although most recommendations are conditional, their message is clear: the air quality in our homes and workplaces significantly affects respiratory health.
“In terms of the indoor environment, it is most urgent to implement recommendations to reduce exposure to mold and moisture, as we have scientifically confirmed the existence of substantial evidence pointing to a link with the development of asthma,” says Professor Marek Jutel of the Department of Clinical Immunology at the Wroclaw Medical University.
Four groups, four risks
VOCs – volatile organic compounds found in paints, varnishes, air fresheners, furniture, and panels, among others, can aggravate asthma symptoms, lead to chronic bronchitis and reduce lung function.
Cleaning products, especially sprays (containing chlorine, ammonia, and fragrances), are a risk factor for both the development of asthma and its exacerbations. EAACI recommends reducing them and replacing them with milder agents.
Dampness and mold are the best-documented factors. In particular, children exposed to damp home environments have a higher risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Pesticides in homes damage the airway epithelium and promote chronic inflammatory reactions. It is recommended to eliminate them, especially in the presence of children and sick people.
“Patients should track local pollution levels via mobile apps, regularly ventilate rooms when outdoor pollution levels are low, avoid using spray cleaners, prevent dampness and mold, don’t smoke at home, and use HEPA-filtered air purifiers when possible,” prof. Marek Jutel enumerates.
The EAACI guidelines are not only recommendations for patients but also appeals to doctors and policymakers. According to experts from the Medical University of Wroclaw, implementing them in clinical practice is crucial.
“We lack standardized tools for environmental risk assessment in primary care and AOS practice. Knowledge of environmental influences on asthma often remains theoretical and impractical. We need tools to assess air quality in homes, such as PM2.5, CO₂ monitors or access to sanitary data,” points out Prof. Magdalena Zemelka-Wiącek of the UMW Department of Clinical Immunology.
She adds that it is equally important to include environmental topics in pre- and post-graduate curricula and to educate physicians on how to interpret smog alerts and environmental recommendations in asthma therapy.
Systemic changes needed – not just recommendations for patients
The EAACI guidelines also send a strong message to public health administrations. Experts point out the need to create legally binding indoor air quality standards and link them to real-world measures. This is especially important in Poland, where the level of education in this area – both among doctors and patients – is still insufficient.
“There is a need to educate patients and medical personnel, but above all, decision-makers and environmental policy circles on how to identify and reduce environmental risks,” prof. Marek Jutel stresses.
This material is based on an article:
Allegry
Authors: Ioana Agache, Isabella Annesi-Maesano, Lorenzo Cecchi, Benedetta Biagioni, Fan Chung, Gennaro D’Amato, Athanasios Damialis, Stefano Del Giacco, Javier Dominguez Ortega, Carmen Galán, Stefanie Gilles, Stephen Holgate, Mohamed Jeebhay, Stelios Kazadzis, Kari Nadeau, Nikos G. Papadopoulos, Santiago Quirce, Joaquín Sastre Domínguez, Claudia Traidl-Hoffmann, Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa, Magdalena Zemelka-Wiacek, Marek Jutel, Cezmi Akdis
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