Changes in active and passive smoking in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey.

The aim of the present investigation was to study changes and determinants for changes in active and passive smoking. The present study included 9,053 adults from 14 countries that participated in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II. The mean follow-up period was 8.8 yrs. Change in the prevalence of active and passive smoking was expressed as absolute net change (95% confidence interval) standardised to a 10-yr period. Determinants of change were analysed and the results expressed as adjusted hazard risk ratio (HRR) or odds ratio (OR). The prevalence of active smoking declined by 5.9% (5.1-6.8) and exposure to passive smoking in nonsmokers declined by 18.4% (16.8-20.0). Subjects with a lower educational level (HRR: 0.73 (0.54-0.98) and subjects living with a smoker (HRR: 0.45 (0.34-0.59)) or with workplace smoking (HRR: 0.69 (0.50-0.95)) were less likely to quit. Low socio-economic groups were more likely to become exposed (OR: 2.21 (1.61-3.03)) and less likely to cease being exposed to passive smoking (OR: 0.48 (0.37-0.61)). In conclusion, the quitting rate was lower and the risk of exposure to passive smoking higher among subjects with lower socio-economic status. Exposure to other peoples smoking decreased quitting rates and increased the risk of starting to smoke.

The association of hepatitis A and Helicobacter pylori with sensitization to common allergens, asthma and hay fever in a population of young British adults.

BACKGROUND: A negative association of oro-faecally spread infection with serological markers of sensitization and allergic disease has been reported. METHOD: Previous infection with hepatitis A and Helicobacter pylori was assessed in a community-based sample of young British adults and associations with serum-specific IgE to environmental allergens, asthma-like symptoms and hay fever were examined. RESULTS: There was no association of previous infection with hepatitis A or H. pylori with wheeze or hay fever. There was no evidence of an association of infection with either agent and sensitization except for the isolated finding of a lower prevalence of sensitization to grass in those with IgG antibodies to H. pylori (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43-0.99). This association did not explain the negative association of family size with sensitization to grass. CONCLUSION: In this population, there was no evidence that infection with hepatitis A or H. pylori was associated with lower levels of IgE sensitization, asthma or hay fever except for an isolated finding of a negative association of H. pylori infection with sensitization to grass.

Increase in diagnosed asthma but not in symptoms in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: Information on the epidemiology of asthma in relation to age is limited and hampered by reporting error. To determine the change in the prevalence of asthma with age in young adults we analysed longitudinal data from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 11 168 randomly selected subjects in 14 countries in 1991-3 when they were aged 20-44 years and 5-11 years later from 1998 to 2003. Generalised estimating equations were used to estimate net change in wheeze, nocturnal tightness in chest, shortness of breath, coughing, asthma attacks in the last 12 months, current medication, "diagnosed" asthma, and nasal allergies. RESULTS: Expressed as change in status per 10 years of follow up, subjects reporting asthma attacks in the previous 12 months increased by 0.8% of the population (95% CI 0.2 to 1.4) and asthma medication by 2.1% (95% CI 1.6 to 2.6), while no statistically significant net change was found in reported symptoms. Reported nasal allergies increased, especially in the youngest age group. CONCLUSIONS: As this cohort of young adults has aged, there has been an increase in the proportion treated for asthma but not in the proportion of those reporting symptoms suggestive of asthma. Either increased use of effective treatments has led to decreased morbidity among asthmatic subjects or those with mild disease have become more likely to label themselves as asthmatic.

Sensitization to house dust mites in Reykjavik, Iceland, in the absence of domestic exposure to mites.

BACKGROUND: House dust mites are common sources of indoor allergens. In Reykjavik, Iceland, 9% of the young adult population had serum-specific IgE to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Sensitization to mites is usually assumed to be due to exposure to house dust mites in the indoor environment. This investigation was carried out to measure the concentrations of house dust mite allergens and to investigate which species of mites were present in beds in Iceland. METHODS: A total of 197 randomly selected adults were visited at home using the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) II Indoor protocol. Dust samples were collected from mattresses for measurement of house dust mite allergen concentrations and to estimate the number and type of house dust mites. Additional samples from mattresses and floors were collected from the homes of 10 patients with positive skin prick tests (SPT) to D. pteronyssinus. House dust mite allergen concentrations were measured using ELISA and examination of mite species was carried out using microscopy. Climatic parameters were assessed using psychrometer readings in the bedrooms and outdoors. RESULTS: We found two single mite specimens, both D. pteronyssinus, in two dust samples. Mite allergen analyses indicated that two other dust samples had Der f 1 results close to the cut-off of 0.1 microg/g of dust. No samples were positive for Der p 1. In an additional collection of dust from the homes of 10 SPT-positive patients no Dermatophagoides spp. were found. CONCLUSIONS: Reykjavik citizens are exposed to extremely low amounts of house dust mite allergens in their homes. Possible alternative sources for sensitization are discussed, such as bird nests, exposure from travelling abroad, or other mites or invertebrates that cross-react with house dust mite allergens. Our findings suggest that exposures other than to house dust mites indoors are possible sources of mite allergen exposure.

A randomized controlled trial of mite allergen-impermeable bed covers in adult mite-sensitized asthmatics.

BACKGROUND: Mite-allergic patients with allergic disease should benefit from avoiding mite allergens. Many physicians, however, are yet to be convinced that allergen avoidance can make a significant contribution to asthma management in these patients. Many allergen-avoidance regimes include multiple measures of allergen reduction, but as mite exposure in the home is most likely to be greatest in bed dust, bedding is usually the first target for intervention. OBJECTIVE: This study selected adult patients considered to be most likely to benefit from avoiding mite allergens, namely diagnosed asthmatics, sensitized to house dust mites and exposed to mite allergen in their mattresses. Patients were randomized into a placebo-controlled trial of the use of allergen-impermeable bed covers for 12 months, without any other form of mite-reduction measures. METHODS: Adults with asthma were selected from general practices and asthma clinics in south-east London. Their serum IgE to mite allergens and allergen content of mattress dust samples were measured. Those with >0.70 kU/L mite-specific IgE and >2 microg/g Der p 1 were randomized into active or placebo treatments. Information was collected on allergic symptoms and medication use and quarterly peak flow diaries were kept throughout the trial. Dog or cat allergic patients were excluded if they had a pet at home to which they were sensitized. RESULTS: The mean decrease in microg/g Der p 1 was 25.7 (95% CI 8.9, 74.1) in the active group and 4.5 (95% CI 1.8, 11.5) in the placebo group. Der p 1 concentrations in the active and placebo groups at the end of the trial were not significantly different. There was no effect on peak flow or asthma symptoms in a simple comparison of the treatment and placebo groups. CONCLUSION: In this group of patients, mite allergen avoidance in the bed by the use of allergen-impermeable bedding alone cannot be recommended as an effective way of relieving asthma symptoms.

The European Community Respiratory Health Survey: what are the main results so far? European Community Respiratory Health Survey II.

The European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) was the first study to assess the geographical variation in asthma and allergy in adults using the same instruments and definitions. The database of the ECRHS includes information from approximately 140,000 individuals from 22 countries. The aim of this review is to summarize the results of the ECRHS to date. The ECRHS has shown that there are large geographical differences in the prevalence of asthma, atopy and bronchial responsiveness, with high prevalence rates in English speaking countries and low prevalence rates in the Mediterranean region and Eastern Europe. Analyses of risk factors have highlighted the importance of occupational exposure for asthma in adulthood. The association between sensitization to individual allergens and bronchial responsiveness was strongest for indoor allergens (mite and cat). Analysis of treatment practices has confirmed that the treatment of asthma varies widely between countries and that asthma is often undertreated. In conclusion, the European Community Respiratory Health Survey has shown that the prevalence of asthma varies widely. The fact that the geographical pattern is consistent with the distribution of atopy and bronchial responsiveness supports the conclusion that the geographical variations in the prevalence of asthma are true and most likely due to environmental factors.

Distribution of dust-mite allergens (Lep d 2, Der p 1, Der f 1, Der 2) in pig-farming environments and sensitization of the respective farmers.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to determine the distribution of mite allergens in pig-farming environments in comparison to urban homes and the relationship between exposure to mite allergens and sensitization to the respective allergens in 100 pig farmers with work-related respiratory symptoms. METHODS: The concentration of storage mite (Lep d 2) and house-dust-mite (Der p 1, Der f 1, and Der 2) allergens in dust collected from five different sampling sites (floor, wall, grain mill, transit area between confinement house and farmer's kitchen, and farmers' mattresses) was studied in relationship to the respective sensitization rates. Allergen concentrations in the mattresses were compared to those determined in mattresses from 22 urban dwellers. RESULTS: Median concentrations of Der p 1 and Der 2 in the mattresses of the farmers were significantly higher than in the urban dwellers' samples (53.4 microg/g dust vs 1.05 microg/g dust, P=0.001; 19.6 microg/g dust vs 2.2 microg/g dust, P<0.0001, respectively). Allergen concentrations in the transit areas were strongly related to bedroom exposure. In a multiple logistic regression model, a weak but significant relationship between Der p 1 exposure and sensitization to Der p 1 was found. Despite these findings, the prevalence of sensitization to mite allergens in the farmers (18%) was comparable to the prevalence in the general population. CONCLUSIONS: Allergen exposure at the workplace is strongly related to the concentration of allergens in farmers' beds. Exposure to domestic mite allergens should be taken into account when assessing occupational exposure to allergens and the respiratory health of farmers.

The association of smoking with sensitization to common environmental allergens: results from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: Smoking is a risk factor for sensitization to some occupational allergens, but its association with sensitization to common environmental allergens remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the association of smoking with total IgE levels and with sensitization to 3 common environmental allergens in data from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey. METHODS: A detailed smoking history and blood sample for determination of serum total IgE and specific IgE levels to house dust mite, grass, and cat allergens was obtained from 13,002 randomly selected young adults living in the areas served by 34 centers in 14 countries. Associations with smoking status and amount smoked were determined. Because there was evidence of heterogeneity between centers in the association of age, sex, and smoking with sensitization, odds ratios (ORs) were determined for each center and combined by using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: Compared with lifetime nonsmokers, current smokers were at an increased risk of sensitization to house dust mite allergen (OR, 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.26) but a decreased risk of sensitization to grass (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.67-0.88) and cat allergens (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.59-0.80). Exclusion of those with symptoms suggestive of current asthma strengthened the association of smoking with sensitization to house dust mite allergen (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.11-1. 50). The geometric mean total IgE level was higher in smokers and was higher among those who currently smoked the most compared with those who smoked less than 5 cigarettes per day. CONCLUSION: The association between smoking and sensitization to common environmental allergens is different for different allergens.

Sensitization to individual allergens and bronchial responsiveness in the ECRHS. European Community Respiratory Health Survey.

Little is known about the relation of bronchial responsiveness (BHR) to sensitization to individual allergens, or its variation between countries. Data were obtained for BHR, specific immunoglobulin E and confounding variables from 11,215 subjects, aged 20-44 yrs at the start of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey, in 34 centres in 15 countries. The relation of BHR to sensitization to cat, house dust mite, timothy grass and Cladosporium was estimated by means of multiple regression for each centre, and combined across centres by random effects meta-analysis, controlling for baseline lung function, height, sex, season of testing, age, smoking and age/sex and age/smoking interactions. BHR was greater, on average, in those sensitized to cat (p=0.023), house dust mite (p<0.001) and timothy grass (p=0.018), but not to Cladosporium (p=0.60), and increased with degree of sensitization (p<0.001). All relations showed heterogeneity between centres, although to a lesser extent in the relation to sensitization to house dust mite. More variation in bronchial responsiveness was explained by sensitization and degree of sensitization to the individual allergens than by atopy defined as any positive test in each centre, but the relative importance of each allergen varied. The use of atopy as a single variable in relation to bronchial hyperresponsiveness may be misleading.

Individual allergens as risk factors for bronchial responsiveness in young adults.

BACKGROUND: Bronchial responsiveness is known to be related to atopy, but the relative contribution of sensitisation to individual allergens in the UK, or whether serum total IgE is an independent risk factor, is unknown. METHODS: A random sample of 1864 men and women aged 20-44 years, drawn from family health service registers in Cambridge, Ipswich and Norwich, was invited to answer a detailed questionnaire, undergo skin prick tests and methacholine bronchial challenge, and provide a serum sample for measurement of total and specific IgE. The relation of bronchial responsiveness to risk factors was studied in 749 subjects (40.2%) with complete data. RESULTS: Bronchial responsiveness was increased in those sensitised to cat, D pteronyssinus, Timothy grass and Cladosporium, but decreased in subjects also positive to birch allergen. Additional skin prick tests added little information. Serum total IgE was not significantly related after adjustment for specific IgE to the five allergens. Increasing titres of specific IgE to D pteronyssinus were associated with increasing bronchial responsiveness. Specific IgE to Cladosporium had a prevalence of around 3%, but was associated with greatly increased responsiveness. Decreased baseline lung function was related (p < 0.001) to increased responsiveness. There was an interaction between age and smoking status, with lower responsiveness in older non-smokers. CONCLUSION: Atopy is the most important risk factor for bronchial responsiveness in this age group, but effects are not additive across all allergens. Research in reducing exposure to house dust mite should also address the role of Cladosporium sensitisation and exposure to indoor moulds.

Indoor factors associated with concentrations of house dust mite allergen, Der p 1, in a random sample of houses in Norwich, UK.

BACKGROUND: Studies of house dust mite allergen concentrations suggest large variations both within and between homes. It is likely that different household characteristics influence allergen levels in different locations within the house. OBJECTIVES: To investigate household characteristics associated with higher concentrations of house dust mite allergen in a random sample of houses. METHODS: Information on indoor environment was obtained from 158 adults aged 20-44. Dust samples were collected from their living room floor, bedroom floor and mattress. Concentrations of Der p 1, the major allergen from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, were measured by monoclonal antibody immunoassay. Associations between mite allergen concentrations and household characteristics were examined using censored-normal regression models. Factors that were related to Der p 1 (P

Serum eosinophil cationic protein: distribution and reproducibility in a randomly selected sample of men living in rural Norfolk, UK.

BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) may be a clinically useful measure in allergic illness. The aim of this report is to describe the distribution and reproducibility of serum ECP levels in a population sample and to examine its relationship with other markers of disease. METHODS: The study was conducted in rural areas of Norfolk, UK in a random sample of men aged 20-44 years enriched with subjects drawn from general practice 'asthma registers'. Asthma symptoms were assessed using the EC Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire. Atopy was measured by skin prick tests and serum IgE. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was tested by methacholine challenge test. Serum IgE and ECP was measured by fluoroimmunoassay using the Pharmacia CAP system. Reference equations were derived in subjects from the random sample who did not have symptoms of asthma, abnormal lung function or AHR. The relation of serum ECP with various clinical characteristics was examined in the whole study population. Reproducibility of serum ECP measurement was assessed in 57 subjects 4 weeks after the initial test. RESULTS: The study population comprised 311 from the random sample and 58 from the asthma sample. The reference equation for serum ECP for healthy men was log10 ECP = 1.3966 - [(age - 20) x 0.0057]. The estimated mean serum ECP for a 20-year-old man was 25 microg/L. Current smokers have higher serum ECP levels that non-smokers (P = 0.014). ECP levels were not related to the skin prick test reactivity, serum IgE, a questionnaire-based diagnosis of asthma, or impaired lung function (all P > 0.05). Levels were higher in subjects with AHR (P = 0.003) and those who reported wheeze (P = 0.017) but there was no clinically useful separation in ECP levels between subjects classified by these criteria. The test was moderately reproducible over a 4-week period (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.62). DISCUSSION: Serum ECP levels were higher in this rural English population than reported in a comparable population in Sweden. Serum ECP is a reproducible test but cross-sectionally does not relate in any clinically useful way to markers of asthma. The meaning of between- subject differences in ECP levels requires further exploration.

The association of respiratory symptoms and lung function with the use of gas for cooking. European Community Respiratory Health Survey.

The association of respiratory symptoms and lung function with the use of gas for cooking was examined using data collected as part of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey, an international multicentre study. Associations between gas cooking and respiratory symptoms and respiratory function were assessed by logistic and multiple regression models. Tests for interaction were used to examine whether the effect of gas cooking varied between centres and, as there was evidence for this, the average effects were estimated using standard methods for random effects meta-analysis. Data from 5,561 males and 6,029 females living in 23 centres in 11 countries were analysed. There was no significant association found between respiratory symptoms and gas cooking in males. In females the association between some respiratory symptoms and gas cooking varied between centres with an overall positive association with "wheeze in the last 12 months" (odds ratio (OR) 1.24: 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.00-1.54) and "wheeze with breathlessness in the last 12 months" (OR 1.33: 95% CI 1.06-1.69). There was no evidence that atopy modified this association. Cooking with gas was associated with airways obstruction in both males and females although the differences failed to reach statistical significance. In some countries the use of gas for cooking is associated with respiratory symptoms suggestive of airways obstruction in females.

Identification and quantification of mite allergens.

Allergens from the house dust mite are ubiquitous in house dust. Exposure to these allergens can cause acute symptoms in patients who are sensitized to house-dust mite and have asthma or other allergic diseases, such as rhinitis or atopic dermatitis. It is not clear how much mite-allergen exposure is a risk factor for the development of sensitization or for triggering acute symptoms. Therefore, it is important to be able to quantify accurately the amount of mite allergen present in the indoor environment in order to carry out studies to identify risk factors for exposure, to investigate exposure-response effects, and to monitor the progress of allergen-reducing regimens.

The distribution of total and specific serum IgE in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: Variations in the prevalence of atopy could provide important clues to the etiology of atopy and asthma. Although estimates of prevalence are available from different studies, a lack of standardization makes comparisons difficult. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to estimate the variation of geometric mean levels of serum IgE and the prevalence of specific IgE to common allergens between populations as part of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS), a multicenter survey of asthma and risk factors for asthma. METHODS: Random samples of subjects living in 37 centers in 16 countries who had answered a questionnaire about their respiratory symptoms were invited for further assessment including total serum IgE and the presence of specific IgE against house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), timothy grass, cat, Cladosporium herbarum, and a local allergen. Sera were tested from 13,883 persons. RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of atopy, defined as the presence of at least one positive specific IgE, ranged from 16% in Albacete (Spain) to 45% in Christchurch (New Zealand). The geometric mean total serum IgE varied from 13 kU/L in Reykjavik (Iceland) to 62 kU/L in Bordeaux (France). There was no relation between the geometric mean total serum IgE in a center and the prevalence of atopy. CONCLUSIONS: There are substantial variations in the prevalence of atopy and the level of serum IgE. These variations are independent of each other and likely to be largely environmental in origin.

The association of family size with atopy and atopic disease.

BACKGROUND: Studies in children have shown that family size is negatively associated with atopy and atopic disease. OBJECTIVE: To describe the association of family size with atopy and atopic disease in young adults. METHODS: A randomly selected sample of 1159 men and women aged 20-44 years provided information on respiratory symptoms, hay fever and eczema. Blood samples were taken for assessment of total IgE and specific IgE to house dust mite, grass, cat, Cladosporium and birch. The association of family size and birth order with respiratory symptoms, atopy and total IgE was assessed by multiple logistic and linear regression. RESULTS: There was a negative association between family size and the reporting of 'wheeze with breathlessness' (adjusted odds ratio for an increase of one sibling 0.85; 95% confidence interval 0.75-0.98), 'wheeze without a cold' (adjusted odds ratio for an increase of one sibling 0.85; 95% confidence interval 0.75-0.98) and 'asthma attacks' in the last 12 months (adjusted odds ratio for an increase of one sibling 0.77; 95% confidence interval 0.61-0.97), current 'hayfever and nasal allergies' (adjusted odds ratio for an increase of one sibling 0.84; 95% confidence interval 0.75-0.94) and sensitization to grass (adjusted odds ratio for an increase of one sibling 0.87; 95% confidence interval 0.76-0.99). Birth order was negatively associated with 'hayfever and nasal allergies' only. A decreased risk of sensitization to grass in those from large families did not fully explain the negative association between family size and hayfever. No statistically significant (P > 0.05) association of family size or birth order with the reporting of other respiratory symptoms, eczema, sensitization to the other allergens or total IgE was observed. CONCLUSION: There is a negative association between family size and some symptoms suggestive of asthma, 'hayfever and nasal allergies' and sensitization to grass in young adults. There is no consistent, significant association between family size and eczema, total IgE or sensitization to other allergens.

Variation in nebulizer aerosol output and weight output from the Mefar dosimeter: implications for multicentre studies.

The active aerosol component of nebulizers is less than 100% of output by weight, and may vary between nebulizers in different batches from the same manufacturer. A measure of bronchial responsiveness to methacholine, which can overcome this problem, is required. One hundred and sixty nebulizers from 21 centres in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) were calibrated for aerosol and weight output. Methacholine challenge data were obtained for 1,021 subjects in three English centres of the ECRHS. The dose producing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (PD20), and log-slope, the regression slope of percentage decline in FEV1 with log (dose), were calculated, with and without calibration of nebulizers by weight. Within-centre variation in nebulizer percentage aerosol output had a coefficient of variation of less than 10%. Unlike PD20, log-slope is unaffected by constant percentage overestimation of nebulizer output. Variation in output by weight of nebulizers of 10% had little affect on log-slope. It is, however, affected by the scheduled range of doses. Log-slope shows advantages in analysis, and is less affected by variation in nebulizer output. It can be used for multicentre comparisons, with restriction to a common dose protocol.

Variation in bronchial responsiveness in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS).

Attempts to compare bronchial responsiveness between populations have been hampered by between-study differences in the pharmacological agent of provocation, the method of administration and the summary statistic employed. The European Community Respiratory Health Survey used methacholine challenge delivered by Mefar dosimeter according to a standardized protocol used in 35 centres in 16 countries. Data were obtained from 13,161 men and women, aged 20-44 yrs at the start of the study. The dose of methacholine producing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (PD20) and the regression coefficient of percentage decline in FEV1 with log dose, were calculated ("slope", after transformation), with and without calibration of nebulizers by weight and adjustment for nonresponse bias. Standardization for baseline lung function and variation in smoking prevalence was applied to slope. Results were robust to whichever summary measure was used, and to the various adjustments. Responsiveness was low in Iceland and Switzerland, and in most centres in Sweden, Italy and Spain, and high in New Zealand, Australia, the USA, Britain, France, Denmark and Germany. Bronchial responsiveness varies considerably in Europe, and high levels are not confined to the English-speaking world.

Measuring atopy in a multi-centre epidemiological study.

Skin prick tests are used as a measure of atopy in epidemiological studies, but results may be influenced by the fieldworker performing the test. In a multi-centre epidemiological study the method of reporting the results should consider the need for comparability of findings from different centres. Data on over 1000 subjects from three English centres of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey were analysed to determine whether allergen wheal should be adjusted for histamine wheal, and what cutoff diameter gave the most comparable results. No consistent relation between allergen wheal diameter and histamine wheal diameter was found for any fieldworker or allergen. A cutoff of > 0 mm for a positive result gave a more consistent relation with the corresponding specific IgE value between fieldworkers than either a cutoff of > or = 3 mm or the use of the mean wheal diameter. While this result is not immediately generalisable to studies using different skin prick test reagents, the method of analysis to determine the appropriate criterion of reporting can be used in other epidemiological studies.

Association of respiratory symptoms and lung function in young adults with use of domestic gas appliances.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence from some studies that people living in homes with gas stoves and other unvented gas appliances experience more respiratory symptoms than those who use other fuels for cooking and heating, but other studies have found no such association. We have investigated whether the use of gas appliances is associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms and whether sensitisation to common environmental allergens modifies any such association. METHODS: A stratified random sample of 15,000 adults aged 20-44 years, living in three towns in East Anglia, UK, were sent a questionnaire on asthma and hayfever. From those who responded, a random sample of 1864 were invited to complete an extended questionnaire that included questions on use of gas appliances, to give blood samples for measurements of total IgE and specific IgE to common allergens, and to undergo tests of respiratory function, 659 women and 500 men agreed to an interview. The association of the use of gas appliances with respiratory symptoms, total IgE, specific IgE, and respiratory function was assessed by logistic and multiple regression models. FINDINGS: Women who reported they mainly used gas for cooking had an increased risk of several asthma-like symptoms during the past 12 months including wheeze (odds ratio 2.07 [95% CI 1.41-3.05]), waking with shortness of breath (2.32 [1.25-4.34]), and asthma attacks (2.60 [1.20 -5.6]). Gas cooking increased the risk of symptoms more in women who were atopic than in non-atopic women but the difference did not reach significance (p . 0.05). Women who used a gas stove or had an open gas fire had reduced lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1]) and increased airways obstruction (FEV1 as a percentage of forced vital capacity) compared with women who did not. These associations were not observed in men. INTERPRETATION: In East Anglia, the use of gas cooking is significantly associated with subjective and objective markers of respiratory morbidity in women but not in men. Women may be more susceptible than men to the products of gas combustion or they may have greater exposure to high concentrations of these products because they cook more frequently than men.