Indoor Air Quality and Allergic Disease in Elementary School Children

Abstract

PP-30-021 Background/Aims: The purpose of this study is to investigate allergic diseases related to allergy caused by the exposure to indoor and outdoor sources of air pollution in elementary schools. Methods: The symptoms questionnaire of allergic diseases based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood was completed by the participants. The past and present status of asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, and allergic conjunctivitis were investigated by providing a questionnaire to all the participating children. Questionnaires were sent to a total of 61,350 children from 438 elementary schools. Results: A total of 40,522 children responded to the questionnaire, which represents a 66.1% return rate. Volatile organic compounds, aldehydes, and particulate matter (PM10) were measured and analyzed from October to December 2006, in 82 elementary schools. Based on the survey, the level of indoor air contamination did not appear to be high, but 27.2% of the schools evaluated have exceeded the PM10 levels specified by the school health guidelines. Conclusion: Statistically significant relationships have been observed between the prevalence rate of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis and indoor air quality of primary schools in Korea. In addition, the prevalence rate of allergic diseases demonstrated a relationship depending on the regional outdoor environment.