Living in a home with cockroaches poses health risks
Living in a home with cockroaches poses clear health risks, particularly regarding allergic sensitization and the development or exacerbation of asthma.
Multiple clinical studies and reviews consistently indicate that cockroach exposure in indoor environments is directly linked to allergic sensitization, airway inflammation, and asthma exacerbations.
P. Eggleston, D. Rosenstreich, H. Lynn, P. Gergen, D. Baker, M. Kattan, K. Mortimer, H. Mitchell, D. Ownby, R. Slavin, F. Malveaux. Relationship of indoor allergen exposure to skin test sensitivity in inner-city children with asthma.. 1998. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0091-6749(98)70272-6
Demonstrates that indoor exposure to cockroach allergen is a significant risk factor for allergic sensitization in children.
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K. Page, Kristin M. Lierl, Nancy S. Herman, M. Wills-Karp. Differences in susceptibility to German cockroach frass and its associated proteases in induced allergic inflammation in mice. 2007. https://doi.org/10.1186/1465-9921-8-91
Shows that cockroach exposure and its associated proteases induce experimental asthma and airway hyperresponsiveness in animal models.
Narcy G Arizmendi, Melanie Abel, Lakshmi Puttagunta, Muhammad Asaduzzaman, Courtney Davidson, Khalil Karimi, Paul Forsythe, Harissios Vliagoftis. Mucosal exposure to cockroach extract induces allergic sensitization and allergic airway inflammation. 2011. https://doi.org/10.1186/1710-1492-7-22
Finds that mucosal exposure to cockroach extract triggers allergic sensitization and airway inflammation.
G. Liccardi, M. Martini, M. Biló, M. Milanese, L. Calzetta, R. Laitano, P. Rogliani. A narrative review on asthma and pest sensitization (cockroach, mouse and rat allergens): a social issue besides the medical problem. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1080/02770903.2023.2200844
Identifies cockroaches as a major global cause of airway allergic sensitization and bronchial asthma.
S. Moshavernia, A. Azarm, S. Bagherzade, M. Karimi, H. Ghaem Maralani, M. Moemenbellah-Fard. Behavioral determinants of preventive practices against German cockroach infestation among urban residents in Tehran, Iran. 2026. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.07.04.26357085
Notes that cockroach infestation is an urban environmental health menace linked to food contamination and allergic disease.
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