Assessment of intra-urban variability in indoor air quality and its impact on children's health

Padhi, BK; Padhy, PK; Sahu, L; Jain, VK; Ghosh, R

HERO ID

2081790

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2010

HERO ID 2081790
In Press No
Year 2010
Title Assessment of intra-urban variability in indoor air quality and its impact on children's health
Authors Padhi, BK; Padhy, PK; Sahu, L; Jain, VK; Ghosh, R
Journal Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health
Volume 3
Issue 3
Page Numbers 149-158
Abstract The results from a number of studies suggest that children living close to busy roads may have impaired respiratory health. The study reported here was designed specifically to test the hypothesis that exhaust from traffic has an impact on indoor air quality and children's respiratory health. Children living at three different locations in a suburban area in India were enrolled in the study, and the concentrations of indoor air quality parameters were measured at selected households during the period March 2006-February 2007 using portable air quality monitors. Respiratory symptoms were identified by means of a questionnaire completed by parents and from the results of a pulmonary function test (PFT) carried out using an electronic Spiro Meter. The logistic regression model revealed associations between respiratory symptoms and traffic-related indoor air pollutants among our study population. The prevalence of respiratory disorders was greater among children living in close proximity to traffic sources than among those living more distant from these sources, even after the adjustment of confounding factors. We also found intra-urban variability of indoor air quality and associated differences in respiratory symptoms. Our findings support the hypothesis that traffic has an impact on indoor air quality and that it is associated with children's health. The findings from this study have important policy and program implications, including the need for public information campaigns designed to inform people about the risks of exposure to traffic exhausts.
Doi 10.1007/s11869-010-0063-x
Wosid WOS:000208470100004
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Keyword Children; Indoor air pollution; Intra-urban; Lung function; Respiratory symptoms; Traffic