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MCEARD CONTRIBUTION TO ORD ASTHMA RESEARCH INITIATIVE
Impact/Purpose:
1. Develop and publish a standard method or guidance document for QPCR analysis of microorganisms in environmental samples (air and water filtrates and dust).a standard method or guidance document for QPCR analysis of microorganisms in environmental samples (air and water filtrates and dust). Publication will involve a consensus standards organization. 2. Use QPCR methods to monitor childhood exposures to mold as a part of field studies, in order to establish whether a relationship exists between molds encountered in indoor environments and asthma-related health problems.
Description:
Beginning in 1998, EPA researchers have worked to examine the role of indoor molds/fungi in children's health. The make-up of the indoor environment is critical to the health of children in general and has a particularly important influence on the incidence and exacerbation of asthma. Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood and the rate of new asthma cases in the US is rising every year. About 75% of asthma is associated with allergy. In nearly 100% of elementary school children with asthma, allergens are the primary trigger for asthma, and their disease is thought to result from early exposure and sensitization to common allergens in their environment (e.g., dust mite, cockroach, pollen, molds, animal dander). Mold species commonly found in indoor environments are now recognized as possible contributors to the asthma problem. In 2003, Administrator Whitman announced that the US EPA had developed an Asthma Strategy to address the increasing problem of asthma. For FY04 and 05, funds have been earmarked to begin the analysis of molds and their allergens under the Administrator's plan (see attached memo). Studies in Cleveland, Cincinnati, North Carolina and Detroit will provide samples of dust from homes and schools for quantitative analysis of mold species. This mold data will be provided to the principal investigators on each of these projects to incorporate into their epidemiological analysis of asthma-related health problems.
The quantitative PCR, or QPCR, technology for the detection of pathogenic mold species that will be be used in this project is now widely used in research and is increasingly being used for analyses of environmental samples. It offers rapid results with a level of sensitivity equal to, or greater than, more traditional environmental microbiological methods. In order to promote confidence in this technology among clients, regulatory agencies and the public at large, a standard method or guidance including appropriate QA/QC procedures and established performance characteristics will be developed. This effort will be facilitated by publication of the guidance or method through a nationally and internationally recognized standards organization.