Health effects associated with exposure to residential organic dust

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at relating self-reported health complaints to bioaerosol pollution in the residential outdoor air and to duration of storing organic waste indoors. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, double blinded to ongoing environmental microbial measurements, physicians collected questionnaires in a neighborhood with a composting site and in unexposed controls. Self-reported prevalence of health complaints, physician diagnoses as well as residential odor annoyance and home hygiene were assessed. RESULTS: An elevation of reports of irritative airway complaints was associated with residency in an area with highest bioaerosol exposure but not with odor annoyance. Longer indoor storage of organic waste was associated with skin related symptoms. Atopic subjects were at higher risk. Airway-related health problems were not associated with longer storage of organic wastes in homes. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to organic dust in residential air affects airways of residents while exposure in homes due to organic wastes affects the skin.