Housing interventions and control of asthmarelated indoor biologic agents: a review of the evidence. J Public Health Manag Pract 16(5):S11–S20

Subject matter experts systematically reviewed evidenceon the effectiveness of housing interventions thataffect health outcomes, primarily asthma, associated with exposure to moisture, mold, and allergens. Three of the 11 interventions reviewed had sufficient evidence for implementation: multifaceted, in-home, tailored interventions for reducing asthma morbidity; integrated pest management to reduce cockroach allergen; and combined elimination of moisture intrusion and leaks and removal of moldy items to reduce mold and respiratory symptoms. Four interventions needed more field evaluation, 1 needed formative research, and 3 either had no evidence of effectiveness or were ineffective. The 3 interventions with sufficient evidence all applied multiple, integrated strategies. This evidence review shows that selected interventions that improve housing conditions will reduce morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies. KEY WORDS: allergens, asthma, cockroaches, dust, housing, mice, mites, moisture, prevention, rats Asthma is of great concern because its prevalence and morbidity have increased dramatically in the past 2 decades.1 Recent basic research suggests that asthma develops as a result of interactions between genes and environments.2 The contribution of environmental fac-tors to the observed increase in asthma has been the focus of many investigations.3-7 Biologic agents fig-ure prominently among environmental factors impli