Markers of upper airway inflammation associated with microbial exposure and symptoms in occupants of a water-damaged building

Background Water damage in buildings has been associated with reports of upper airway inflammation among occupants. Methods This survey included a questionnaire, allergen skin testing, nasal nitric oxide, and nasal lavage on 153 participants. We conducted exposure assessments of 297 workstations and analyzed collected dust for fungi, endotoxin, and (13)--D-glucan to create floor-specific averages. Results Males had higher levels of nasal inflammatory markers, and females reported more symptoms. ECP, IL-8, and MPO were significantly associated with nasal symptoms, flu-like achiness, or chills. Fungi and glucan were positively associated with blowing out thick mucus. Endotoxin was significantly associated with ECP in overall models, and with ECP, IL-8, MPO, and neutrophils among non-atopic females. Conclusions In this study, we documented an association between endotoxin and nasal inflammatory markers among office workers. The results of our study suggest that a non-allergic response may contribute to symptoms occurring among occupants in this water-damaged building. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:522530, 2013. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.