Is residential ambient air limonene associated with asthma? Findings from the Canadian Health Measures Survey
- DOI
- Language of the publication
- English
- Date
- 2018-10-29
- Type
- Article
- Author(s)
- Dales, Robert E.
- Cakmak, Sabit
- Publisher
- Elsevier
Abstract
Asthma is a common chronic disease. Exposure to limonene is commonplace because it may be used in the manufacture of personal care products and household cleaners. We investigated the influence of limonene on asthma in a population-based sample of approximately 3000 Canadians. During the Canada Health Measures Survey, carried out between 2012 and 2013, participants were asked if they wheezed or had a diagnosis of asthma, and underwent spirometry and measurement of the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). These variables were tested for an association with limonene concentrations measured in their household air samples, using linear regression analysis A 100% increase in air limonene concentration was associated with an approximate 17% adjusted relative increase wheezing with an odds ratio of 1.17 (95%CI 1.16, 1.18). The percent change in FeNO for a 100% increase in limonene was twice as large for children, 2.89% (95% CI 1.88, 4.43) compared to adults, 1.44% (95%CI 1.16, 1.79). Among boys, the odds ratio was 1.50 (95%CI 1.48, 1.52) between a 100% increase in limonene and a diagnosis of asthma. This study provides evidence that household exposure to limonene may increase the prevalence of asthma in the general population.
Plain language summary
Health Canada is responsible for the assessment and management of health risks to Canadians associated with exposure to products and chemicals in the environment. Limonene is a volatile organic compound which may be found in many products, including personal care products and household cleaners. A previous study found a relationship between indoor air exposure to limonene and an indicator of asthma, but little research is available on the link between this chemical and asthma. For the present study, data from the third cycle (2012-2013) of Statistics Canada’s large, nationwide Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS )was used. Health Canada tested the association between limonene exposure in the home, and symptoms of asthma and a test of allergic inflammation of the airways (FeNO). The results revealed that an increased concentration of limonene in the indoor air was associated with an increased prevalence of wheeze, asthma, and FeNO. The results will be used to fill gaps in knowledge that will help more fully assess the health risks of this volatile organic compound and products containing the compound.
Subject
- Health,
- Health and safety