Effects of Allergen Exposure and Environmental Risk Factors in Schools on Childhood Asthma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to assess the prevalence of common allergen exposures and environmental risk factors for asthma in schools, examine the underlying mechanisms of these environmental risk factors, and explore possible prevention strategies.

RECENT FINDINGS: Cockroach, mouse, dust mites, fungi, viral infections, ozone pollution, and cleaning products are common allergen exposures and environmental risk factors in schools which may affect asthma morbidity. Novel modifiable environmental risk factors in schools are also being investigated to identify potential associations with increased asthma morbidity. While several studies have investigated the benefit of environmental remediation strategies in schools and their impact on asthma morbidity, future studies are warranted to further define the effects of modifiable risk factors in schools and determine whether school mitigation strategies may help improve asthma symptoms in students with asthma.