Respiratory health effects associated with indoor particulate matter (PM2.5) in children residing near a landfill site in Durban, South Africa

Abstract

Landfill sites are known for their potential for generating particulate matter (PM) which can pose respiratory health problems for people residing in the adjacent communities. As PM2.5 have health impacts on children residing close to landfill sites, it is important to understand the extent to which they are affected. In this investigation, PM2.5 measurements in an indoor environment were conducted to assess its concentration levels and its association with the lung function patterns in children aged between 6 and 12 years residing within a 2-km radius from the Bisasar Road landfill site, the largest formal landfill site in Africa. The study was conducted between November 2013 and January 2014 in the Clare Estate community in Durban, South Africa. Spirometry was conducted in children (n = 23) to obtain respiratory data. The mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was 82%, mean forced vital capacity (FVC) was 75%, and mean FEV1/FVC was 115%. Furthermore, the study involved indoor PM2.5 measurements from households (n = 23). The 24-h indoor PM2.5 sampling was conducted using a real-time particulate monitor (HAZ-Dust EPAM-5000, Plaistow, USA) in each household. The mean PM2.5 concentration of 76.5 μg m−3 and the range of 202 μg m−3 were observed. A regression model was computed to determine the association between PM2.5 and lung function patterns. A strong statistically significant relationship (p < 0.002) between indoor PM2.5 concentration levels and FVC was observed. The results suggest that residing near the landfill site is associated with an increased likelihood of respiratory effects among children.