Questionnaire investigation of asthma/allergy symptoms among children and the indoor environment in homes in Sisimiut, Greenland

The aim of this project was to investigate the indoor environment and building characteristics in relation to with asthma and allergy among Greenlandic children. A cross-sectional questionnaire study involving 229 children in schools and institutions in Sisimiut was performed. The response rate was 23%. Of the children included,15% had doctor-diagnosed asthma. Rhinitis and eczema within the last 12 months was associated with; visible damp stains in the childs room; mouldy, earthy, unpleasant and tobacco smell and with suspected dampness in the construction.
Mould spots, suspected dampness in the construction, condensation on kitchen windows and stuffy air were observed significantly more often in houses constructed prior to 1971.