Intervention field study in the Canadian arctic: Improving ventilation, indoor air quality, and the respiratory health in Nunavik dwellings and children

Abstract

Homes with inadequate ventilation and indoor air quality (IAQ) are particularly common in northern and remote communities. Previous studies have observed that the indoor air in these homes can have elevated concentrations of CO2, environmental tobacco smoke, and elevated relative humidity leading to mold issues. These conditions may cause various health problems, such as compromised respiratory health for the occupants and in particular in children with developing respiratory systems. The objectives of this current study were to measure the effectiveness of a targeted optimization of existing heating and ventilation systems at improving ventilation, IAQ, and the respiratory health of children. This study enrolled homes with children under the age 10 in both an intervention group and control group over the winter and spring of 2017-18 in Kuujjuaq, Québec, Canada. Various IAQ, ventilation, and behavioural characteristics were measured both before and after the intervention. Following the intervention, we observed statistically significant reductions in the median values a number relevant IAQ parameters. This study demonstrated that targeted preventative maintenance and optimization of ventilation systems can significantly improve ventilation rates and IAQ.