Raised asthma risk 'in children exposed to mould'

Asthma

Infants exposed to mould in their homes early on in their lives have an increased chance of developing asthma, new research has revealed.

Youngsters are three times more likely to suffer from the condition by the time they reach the age of seven if they are exposed to mould, researchers from the US said.

The scientists, from the University of Cincinnati (UC) and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, looked at seven years' worth of data relating to 176 children to see the impact of mould exposure at a young age.

Lead study author Dr Tiina Reponen, UC professor of environmental health, said: "This study should motivate expectant parents—especially if they have a family history of allergy or asthma—to correct water damage and reduce the mould burden in their homes to protect the respiratory health of their children."

Researchers from the US and Australia revealed last month that pregnant women with asthma are more likely to have pre-eclampsia.

Source: Figo.org