CAT ALLERGEN LEVELS IN PUBLIC PLACES IN NEW-ZEALAND

Aims. Cat allergen (Fel d 1) is a known risk factor for asthma. Studie s have demonstrated Fel d 1 in both public buildings and domestic dwel lings where cats have never been. The aims of this study were to measu re reservoir Fel d I levels in public buildings in New Zealand, to exa mine determinants of these levels and to compare them with previously measured domestic levels. Methods. Dust was obtained in two centres (W ellington and Christchurch) from hotels, hospitals, rest homes, church es, primary schools, childcare centres, cinemas, bank head offices and aeroplanes; and from North Island ski lodges. Measurements of tempera ture and relative humidity were taken. Information was collected on bu ilding characteristics. Fel d 1 levels (mu g/g of fine dust) for floor s (n=203), beds (n=64) and seats (n=24) were expressed as geometric me ans (95% confidence intervals). Results. Detectable Fel d 1 levels wer e found in 95% of floor samples, 91% of bed samples and 100% of seat s amples. Fel d 1 levels [geometric mean (95% confidence intervals)] wer e significantly higher on cinema and domestic aircraft seats [36.8 (20 .8-65.3) mu g/g and 33.3 (28.0-39.7) mu g/g respectively] than on floo rs [3.6 (2.5-5.1) mu g/g and 2.4 (1.8-3.0) mu g/g respectively]. Floor Fel d 1 levels in the public buildings sampled were lower than those of domestic dwellings without cats [0.9 (0.6-1.4) mu g/g vs 1.7 (1.2-2 .4)] mu g/g in Wellington and [2.0 (1.6-2.6) mu g/g vs 4.0 (2.7-6.0] m u g/g in Christchurch. After controlling for potential confounders, fl oor Fel d 1 levels were higher with carpeted floors (p<0.001) and lowe r in banks and hospitals (p<0.001). Conclusion. Fel d 1 levels in publ ic buildings are low in New Zealand public places except for cinema an d domestic aircraft seats where all but one sample had Fel d 1 levels potentially high enough to precipitate asthma symptoms in sensitised i ndividuals.