DUST FROM CARPETED AND SMOOTH FLOORS .6. ALLERGENS IN HOMES COMPARED WITH THOSE IN SCHOOLS IN NORWAY

The amounts of dust, protein, and allergens in vacuumed floor covering samples taken from both schools and homes in Norway have been investi gated. Classrooms contained significantly more crude dust per unit are a than homes, while the mean protein content per unit area was somewha t higher in homes. The main allergen exposure problem in classrooms wa s that of pet allergens; the contents of dog allergens and the major c at (Felis domesticus) allergen Feld I per unit area were significantly higher in school classrooms than in homes of families who do not keep pets. The mite and food allergens, on the contrary, were more prevale nt in homes. Carpeted floors in schools and homes contained significan tly more dust, proteins,a nd allergens than smooth floors (P<0.05). Fe ld I was detected in the vacuum cleaners' filter system in concentrati ons from <1 ng to 1080 ng, confirming that this allergen can pass thro ugh the dust bag during vacuuming.