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Ann Dermatol

Title:		The effect of environmentally friendly wallpaper and flooring material on indoor air quality and atopic dermatitis: a pilot study
Author(s):		Na JI; Byun SY; Jeong MY; Park KC; Huh CH;
Address:		"Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea"
Journal Title:		Ann Dermatol
Year:		2014
Volume:		20141126
Issue:		6
Page Number:		688 - 692
DOI:		10.5021/ad.2014.26.6.688
ISSN/ISBN:		1013-9087 (Print) 2005-3894 (Electronic) 1013-9087 (Linking)
Abstract:		"BACKGROUND: Formaldehyde (FA) and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are considered among the main causes of atopic aggravation. Their main sources include wallpapers, paints, adhesives, and flooring materials. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of environmentally friendly wallpaper and flooring material on indoor air quality and atopic dermatitis severity. METHODS: Thirty patients with atopic dermatitis were enrolled in this study. To improve air quality, the wallpaper and flooring in the homes of the subjects were replaced with plant- or silica-based materials. The indoor air concentration of FA and the total VOCs (TVOCs) were measured before remodeling and 2, 6, and 10 weeks thereafter. Pruritus and the severity of atopic eczema were evaluated by using a questionnaire and the eczema area and severity index (EASI) score before and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after remodeling. The subjects were instructed to continue their therapy for atopic dermatitis. RESULTS: The houses of 24 subjects were remodeled; all subjects completed the study. The concentration of FA in ambient air significantly decreased within 2 weeks after remodeling. The TVOC level showed a decrease at week 2 but increased again at weeks 6 and 10. The reduction of pruritus and EASI score was statistically significant in patients whose baseline EASI score was >3. CONCLUSION: Replacing the wallpaper and flooring of houses with environmentally friendly material reduced FA in ambient air and improved pruritus and the severity of atopic eczema. The improvement of pruritus and eczema was statistically significant in patients whose baseline EASI score was >3"
Keywords:		Atopic dermatitis Formaldehyde Housing Indoor air quality Volatile organic compounds;
Notes:		"PubMed-not-MEDLINENa, Jung Im Byun, Sang Young Jeong, Mi Young Park, Kyoung Chan Huh, Chang Hun eng Korea (South) 2014/12/05 Ann Dermatol. 2014 Dec; 26(6):688-92. doi: 10.5021/ad.2014.26.6.688. Epub 2014 Nov 26"