AIRWAYS INFLAMMATION, ATOPY, AND (1-]3)-BETA-D-GLUCAN EXPOSURES IN 2 SCHOOLS

This study investigated two schools, one of which had previous mold pr oblems. Pupils aged 6 to 13 yr were investigated using a questionnaire on symptoms and a skin prick test. The amount of airborne (1-->3)-bet a-D-glucan was measured in the classrooms. The levels were significant ly higher in the problem school than in the control school (15.3 versu s 2.9 ng/m(3)). The extent of respiratory as well as general symptoms was higher among the pupils in the problem school. Among the atopics, the extent of symptoms of dry cough, cough with phlegm, and hoarseness was similar to the nonatopics in the control school, but significantl y higher in the problem school. The results suggest that (1-->3)-beta- D-glucan, either by itself or as an indicator of molds, is a risk indi cator of airways inflammation.