| An indoor air quality assessment was conducted on 100 homes of Hispanic immigrants in Commerce City, Colorado, an industrial suburb of Denver. Homeowners were interviewed to determine risk factors associated with allergic asthma and exposure to particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. Their homes were inspected for possible sources of indoor air pollutants, such as combustion appliances, tobacco smoke, pets, molds, and water damage. Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide were measured for 24 hours inside the main living area and outside of the homes (IAQ-Calc Model 8762, TSI Incorporated, Shoreview, MN and AQ-501, Metrosonics, Inc., Rochester, NY). Harvard Impactors (Air Diagnostics and Engineering, Inc., Naples, ME) were used to collect 24-hour samples of particulate matter for particles with diameters smaller than 2.5 microns at the same locations for gravimetric analysis. Dust samples were collected by vacuuming carpeting and flooring in 45 by 45 cm grids placed randomly at four locations in the entry way, living room, kitchen, and bedrooms. The collected dust was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for dust mite (Der p 1), cockroach (Bla g 1), Fungi (Asp f 1 and Alt a 1), Rat (Rat n 1), Mouse (Mus m 1), and Cat (Fel d 1) allergens. This study provides information needed to understand risk factors for asthma and other respiratory illnesses among Spanish-speaking immigrant families in a fast-growing urban industrial community in Colorado. |
