Abstract
Air pollution is linked to mortality and morbidity. Since humans spend nearly all their time indoors, improving indoor air quality (IAQ) is a compelling approach to mitigate air pollutant exposure. To assess interventions, relying on clinical outcomes may require prolonged follow-up, which hinders feasibility. Thus, identifying biomarkers that respond to changes in IAQ may be useful to assess the effectiveness of interventions. We conducted a narrative review by searching several databases to identify studies published over the last decade that measured the response of blood, urine, and/or salivary biomarkers to variations (natural and intervention-induced) of changes in indoor air pollutant exposure. Numerous studies reported on associations between IAQ exposures and biomarkers with heterogeneity across study designs and methods. This review summarizes the responses of 113 biomarkers described in 30 articles. The biomarkers which most frequently responded to variations in indoor air pollutant exposures were high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), von Willebrand Factor (vWF), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP). This review will guide the selection of biomarkers for translational studies evaluating the impact of indoor air pollutants on human health.
Highlights
Air pollution is linked to mortality and morbidity
A comprehensive search was conducted from January 1, 2000 to September 17, 2019 to identify studies that reported on blood, urine, and salivary biomarkers relevant to indoor air pollution exposure and toxicology
Levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) increased with increased total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exposures in a home setting [19,21] and PM10, PM10–2.5, and PM1–2.5 mass concentrations in a retirement home setting [20]
Summary
Since humans spend most their time indoors, improving indoor air quality (IAQ) is a compelling approach to mitigate air pollutant exposure. Identifying biomarkers that respond to changes in IAQ may be useful to assess the effectiveness of interventions. Methods: We conducted a narrative review by searching several databases to identify studies published over the last decade that measured the response of blood, urine, and/or salivary biomarkers to variations (natural and intervention-induced) of changes in indoor air pollutant exposure. Conclusions: This review will guide the selection of biomarkers for translational studies evaluating the impact of indoor air pollutants on human health. Since individuals spend about 90% of their time indoors, indoor air quality (IAQ) is a key driver of the effect of air quality on human health [3,4]. To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to improve IAQ, one must study relevant outcomes. The American Heart Association Scientific Statement on air pollution and cardiovascular disease underscored the need to “better describe the physiological relevance in humans and the fundamental details of the mechanisms” [2]
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