National Prevalence and Exposure Risk for Mouse Allergen in US Households

Background: Exposure to mouse allergen is a known cause of asthma in occupational settings and exhibits high prevalence and association with allergic sensitization in inner-city home environments. It has never been characterized on a nationally representative scale.

Objective: This study was designed to characterize mouse allergen prevalence in a representative sample of US homes and to assess risk factors for increased concentrations.

Methods: Allergen, questionnaire, and observational data were analyzed from the first National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing, a cross-sectional survey of 831 US housing units. Allergen levels were characterized and related to demographic factors and household characteristics.

Results: Detectable levels of mouse allergen (Mus m 1) exist in 82% of US homes. Kitchen floor concentrations exceed 1.6 microg/g, a level associated with increased sensitization rates, in 22% of homes. Increased concentrations (>1.6 microg/g) were observed in high-rise apartments and mobile homes, older homes, and low-income homes. Odds of having increased concentrations were increased when rodent (odds ratio [OR], 3.38) or cockroach (OR, 1.81) problems were reported and when floor mopping (OR, 2.17) was performed instead of vacuuming.

Conclusions: Household mouse allergen is widespread in many settings at levels that might contribute to asthma morbidity. The likelihood of exposure can be assessed by consideration of demographic and household determinants.