Impact Of Indoor Air Pollution Research Articles

Impact of indoor air pollution on DNA damage and chromosome stability: a systematic review.

Indoor air pollution is becoming a rising public health problem and is largely resulting from the burning of solid fuels and heating in households. Burning these fuels produces harmful compounds, such as particulate matter regarded as a major health risk, particularly affecting the onset and exacerbation of respiratory diseases. As exposure to polluted indoor air can cause DNA damage including DNA sd breaks as well as chromosomal damage, in this paper, we aim to provide an overview of the impact of indoor air pollution on DNA damage and genome stability by reviewing the scientific papers that have used the comet, micronucleus, and γ-H2AX assays. These methods are valuable tools in human biomonitoring and for studying the mechanisms of action of various pollutants, and are readily used for the assessment of primary DNA damage and genome instability induced by air pollutants by measuring different aspects of DNA and chromosomal damage. Based on our search, in selected studies (in vitro, animal models, and human biomonitoring), we found generally higher levels of DNA strand breaks and chromosomal damage due to indoor air pollutants compared to matched control or unexposed groups. In summary, our systematic review reveals the importance of the comet, micronucleus, and γ-H2AX assays as sensitive tools for the evaluation of DNA and genome damaging potential of different indoor air pollutants. Additionally, research in this particular direction is warranted since little is still known about the level of indoor air pollution in households or public buildings and its impact on genetic material. Future studies should focus on research investigating the possible impact of indoor air pollutants in complex mixtures on the genome and relate pollutants to possible health outcomes.

A study about the impact of indoor air pollution on cognitive function among middle-aged and older adult people in India

BackgroundIn the 21st century, people still use solid fuel for cooking at home, resulting in poor indoor air quality. Prolonged exposure to such conditions may negatively affect one’s cognitive function. So, the present study examines the possible association between IAP and the cognitive function of individuals aged 45 years or above in India.MethodsThe study utilizes secondary data, procured from the longitudinal ageing study in India (2017-18). Treatment effects through regression-adjusted models were applied to represent the association between IAP and cognitive health and the results are represented by beta coefficient (β). Three separate models with a 95% confidence interval adjusting with the other factors like housing environment, individual and behavioural were framed.ResultsThe study revealed that households without a separate kitchen (β = -0.64; 95%CI: -0.90 to -0.39) and electricity (β = -0.97; 95%CI: -1.34 to -0.61) significantly affect cognitive strength. Cognitive decline is likely more pronounced among older adults (β = -1.19; 95%CI: -1.42 to -0.96) than the middle-aged population. Moreover, the cognitive ability of rural residents (β = -1.11; 95%CI: -1.49 to -0.73) and women (β = -2.05; 95%CI: -2.29 to -1.81) is negatively associated with IAP exposure. Older adults with no reading habits (β = -6.28; 95%CI: -6.72; to -5.85) and physical inactivity (β = -0.96; 95%CI: -1.22 to -0.70) had a sign of notable decline in cognitive ability.ConclusionsFindings revealed that cognitive function is negatively associated with IAP, demanding a deep intervention plan to minimize the detrimental effect.

The impact of indoor air pollution on children’s health and well-being: the experts’ consensus

BackgroundPollution of the indoor environment represents a concern for human health, mainly in case of prolonged exposure such as in the case of women, children, the elderly, and the chronically ill, who spend most of their time in closed environments.Main bodyThe aim of the study is to organize a group of experts in order to evaluate the evidence and discuss the main risk factors concerning indoor air and the impact on human health as well as challenging factors regarding preventive strategies to reduce pollution. The experts highlighted the main risk factors concerning indoor air, including poor ventilation, climatic conditions, chemical substances, and socio-economic status. They discussed the impact on human health in terms of mortality and morbidity, as well as challenging factors regarding preventive strategies to reduce pollution.ConclusionThe experts identified strategies that can be reinforced to reduce indoor pollution and prevent negative consequences on human health at national and local levels.

IJCM_159A: Descriptive study on determinants of indoor air pollution and its perceived impact on health among residents of urban field practice area of a tertiary care hospital

Background: Indoor air pollution is the presence of unwanted substances in the indoor at concentration toxic to health. According to WHO, around 3.8 million deaths occur due to indoor air pollution every year. Very few studies have addressed indoor air pollution. Thus, this study aimed at determinants of indoor air pollution and its perceived impact on health among residents. Objectives: 1. To study the determinants of indoor air pollution among residents of urban field practice area of a tertiary care hospital. 2. To study the perceived impact of indoor air pollution on health among residents of urban field practice area of a tertiary care hospital. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study conducted among 105 households of urban field practice area of a tertiary care hospital during August 2023 to October 2023. Data collection was done using predesigned pre tested interview schedule which consists of sociodemographic characteristics, sources of indoor air pollution, checklist of contributory factors of air pollutants and related symptoms/diseases. Results: About 45.7% households had second hand smoke in house. Smoke from the neighbourhood troubled 38% respondents. 33.3% households had IAP owing to vehicular exhausts. 75.2% houses were having absence of cross ventilation and 68.5% houses were poorly ventilated. Also, 60.9% houses reported overcrowding. About 53.3% complained of having at least one symptom of IAP. Conclusion: Majority of the households were exposed to IAP due to second hand smoke, neighborhood smoke while absence of cross ventilation accented it. Efforts to address IAP should be made to protect residents from adverse health effects.

Impact of indoor air pollution from cooking fuel usage and practices on self-reported health among older adults in India: Evidence from LASI

This research aims to explore the impact of various components of Indoor air pollution (IAP) on the Self-Reported Health (SRH) of older adults in India. Using a sample of 27,090 from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) Wave-1, a multiple binary logistic regression model was employed to identify specific risk factors associated with poor SRH among older adults. Adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and IAP-related components, it was revealed that IAP significantly contributes to poor SRH. The adjusted model indicated that individuals using solid cooking fuels face a higher risk of poor SRH compared to those using liquid fuels. Additionally, individuals not using electric chimneys and cooking near windows are associated with an elevated risk of poor SRH, highlighting the importance of adequate ventilation. Health risk factors, including lung disease, diabetes, cough, and depression, further contribute to poor SRH among older adults exposed to IAP. Overall, the study offers crucial insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and environmentalists to improve the well-being of the vulnerable older population in India.

Impact of indoor Air Pollution on the Linear growth of children in Jimma, Ethiopia

BackgroundStunting in children is the term for reduced linear growth and development, which is frequently brought on by a persistently inadequate diet, recurrent infections and chronic diseases or poor health conditions. Apart from the classic covariates of stunting, which include diet and illness, the relative contribution of household air pollution to chronic nutrition conditions is least studied. Hence, this study is conducted to investigate the impact of household air pollution on the linear growth of under-five children in Jimma town, Ethiopia.MethodsA prospective cohort study was employed to collect data from 280 under-five children who lived in households using solid fuel (exposed group, n = 140) and clean fuel (unexposed group, n = 140). Height-for-age Z scores were compared in both groups over a 12-month follow-up period. The difference in differences estimators were used for comparison of changes in the height-for-age Z scores from baseline to end line in exposed and non-exposed groups. The independent effect of the use of solid fuels on height-for-age Z scores was analyzed through a multivariable linear regression model. Statistical Significances were declared at P < 0.05 and 95% CI level.ResultsIn an unadjusted model (Model 1), compared with the clean fuel type, the mean difference in the height-for-age Z score of children in households using solid fuel was lower by 0.54 (-0.54, 95% CI -0.97, -0.12, P = 0.011). The beta coefficient remained negative after adjusting for age and sex (Model 2 -0.543, 95% CI -1.373, -0.563) and sociodemographic variables (Model 3: -0.543, 95% CI -1.362, -0.575). In the final model (Model 4), which adjusted for wealth quantile, dietary practice, water, sanitation and hygiene status and household food insecurity access scale, the beta coefficient held the same and significant (beta: -0.543, 95% CI -1.357, -0.579, P < 0.001). Higher HAZ scores were observed among female child (β: = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.28, 0.69), Child with father attended higher education (β: = 0.304 95%CI: 0.304, 95% CI 0.19, 0.41) as compared to male gender and those who did not attend a formal education, respectively. In contrast, child living in households with poor hygiene practices had lower HAZ score (β: -0.226, 95% CI: -0.449, -0.003), P < 0.001.ConclusionsExposure to indoor air pollution was inversely related to linear growth. Furthermore, sex, educational status and hygiene were found relevant predictors of linear growth. In such a setting, there is a need to step up efforts to design and implement public education campaigns regarding the health risks associated with exposure to household air pollution. Promoting improvements to kitchen ventilation and the use of improved cooking stoves, which will help to mitigate the detrimental effects of indoor air pollution on child growth impairment and its long-term effects.

Indoor Air Pollution in Kenya

AbstractIndoor air pollution is an environmental health challenge in Kenya, particularly in rural households, and low-income urban areas. This review aims to provide an overview of the sources, health effects and mitigation strategies for indoor air pollutants in Kenya. The main goal of our study was to review existing literature on indoor air pollution in Kenya with the aim of identifying research gaps for future research. Our methodology involved a critical examination of the existing literature review. This is because traditional fuel burning for cooking and heating, and kerosene lamps are major sources of indoor air pollution. Exposure to air pollutants can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular disease among women and children who are more vulnerable. Despite efforts to improve indoor air quality, significant challenges remain including access to clean fuels and technologies, inadequate infrastructure, and low awareness of health impact of indoor air pollution. Mitigation strategies include the transition to cleaner cooking sources, solar lamps for lighting and education campaigns on health impacts. The review concludes that a multifaceted approach involving various stakeholders is necessary to effectively address indoor air pollution in Kenya and improve public health.

Effects of indoor air pollution on clinical outcomes in patients with interstitial lung disease: protocol of a multicentre prospective observational study

BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease with a poor prognosis. While there is evidence suggesting that outdoor air pollution affects the clinical course of...

Mechanistic and kinetic study of limona ketone oxidation initiated by hydroxyl radical: impact of indoor air pollution

Degradation of air quality in the atmosphere is mainly caused by air pollution and represents a major health risk.

Indoor air pollution exposure and early childhood development in the Upstate KIDS Study

BackgroundLimited human studies have investigated the impact of indoor air pollution on early childhood neurodevelopment among the US population. We aimed to examine the associations between prenatal and postnatal indoor air pollution exposure and early childhood development in a population-based birth cohort. MethodsThis analysis included 4735 mother-child pairs enrolled between 2008 and 2010 in the Upstate KIDS Study. Indoor air pollution exposure from cooking fuels, heating fuels, and passive smoke during pregnancy, and at 12 and 36 months after birth were assessed by questionnaires. Five domains of child development were assessed by the Ages and Stages Questionnaire at 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for potential confounders. ResultsExposure to unclean cooking fuels (natural gas, propane, or wood) throughout the study period was associated with increased odds of failing any development domain (OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.07, 1.53), the gross motor domain (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.13), and the personal-social domain (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.85), respectively. Passive smoke exposure throughout the study period increased the odds of failing the problem-solving domain by 71% (OR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.01, 2.91) among children of non-smoking mothers. No association was found between heating fuel use and failing any or specific domains. ConclusionUnclean cooking fuel use and passive smoke exposure during pregnancy and early life were associated with developmental delays in this large prospective birth cohort.

Impact of Indoor Air Pollution on Health Outcomes in Pakistan: A Case Study of Multan District

The current study intends to investigate the impact of indoor air pollution on health outcomes in Pakistan using data from 400 households in the Multan district. In order to find the presence of Indoor air pollution, readings of PM2.5 is used. The ordinary least square (OLS) method is used for data analysis. The study finds that indoor air pollution has a significant impact on physical and behavioral health symptoms. The study also finds that household head age, household size, household income, environmental concern, and the use of air cleaning device are the significant factors of physical health symptoms, while the variables household head age, education, household income, environmental concern, and environmental awareness are the significant factors of behavioral health symptoms. It is concluded that indoor air quality is essential in influencing the health status of the households. This study suggests that attempts should be made to improve indoor air quality by improving the housing structure and the socioeconomic status of the households.

Impact of Indoor Air Pollution in Pakistan—Causes and Management

This state-of-the-art review is designed to provide a factual analysis of indoor air pollution in Pakistan. Primarily, the main sources of indoor air pollution and related air pollutants were analyzed. Key sources of indoor air pollution include household energy sources (biomass, wood, coal, tobacco, and low temperatures) producing particulate matter (PM), dust particles, smoke, COx, noxious gases, bioaerosols, airborne microflora, and flame retardants. According to the literature, rural regions of Pakistan using biomass indoor fuels have a high indoor PM concentration in the range of 4000–9000 μg/m3. In rural/urban regions, indoor smoking also leads to high PM2.5 levels of ~1800 μg/m3, which can cause pulmonary infections. In hospitals, PM concentrations were detected up to 1000 μg/m3, causing repeated infections in patients. Indoor ingestion of dust containing polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations was observed at high levels (~8.79–34.39 ng/g) in cities; this can cause serious health effects such as cancer risks and a loss of working productivity. Moreover, indoor microflora and bacteria (~10,000–15,000 cfu m−3) in urban/rural regions cause respiratory/cancer risks. In this context, indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring and management strategies have been somewhat developed; however, their implementation in Pakistan’s rural/urban indoor environments is still needed. Various challenges were identified for monitoring/regulating IAQ. There is a firm need for industry–academia–research cooperation and for the involvement of government/agencies to support indoor air pollution control/management and for intervention strategies.

Impact of indoor air pollution on the lung cancer – literature review

Introduction: Lung cancer is the most diagnosed type of cancer and the leading cause of death around the world. The most important risk factor for lung cancer is tobacco smoking. However, there are a lot of other lung cancer risk factors, which include: second-hand smoke exposure, environmental exposures (indoor and outdoor air pollution), occupational exposures, genetic predisposition, and previous lung disease. In this study, we would like to present the actual state of knowledge about the influence of radon as well as other indoor air pollutants on the prevalence of lung cancer.&#x0D; State of knowledge: We analyzed nineteen studies in terms of the impact of indoor air pollution on morbidity and mortality caused by lung cancer. The authors of the included studies agree that both radon and other household air pollution (HAP) increase risk of the lung cancer. HAPs are formed during the combustion of solid fuels (i.e. charcoal, wood). Indoor air pollution can cause in the lungs chronic inflammation, cells damage and their proliferation, depletion of antioxidants, impairment of defense mechanisms, production of reactive oxygen species as well as genetic mutations. Radon, on the other hand, emits alpha radiation, which can affect the respiratory epithelium and produce various cytotoxic and genotoxic effects, which promote carcinogenesis. The risk of lung cancer rises by approximately 6-16% per 100 Bq/m3 increase in long-time average residential radon concentration. &#x0D; Conclusions: Radon and other indoor air pollutants are crucial lung cancer risk factors. It is essential to reduce HAPs production, especially in rural areas, where many people still use coal, wood, or straw for household heating and cooking. Moreover, there are regions where is a need to improve ventilation as well as to switch to clean fuel sources, such as gas and electricity. These activities will contribute to reducing the concentration of HAPs in buildings and decreasing the risk of lung cancer.

The association between different types of cooking fuels and common health problems: north India region

Background: The fuel used for cooking is a major source of indoor air pollution because of inefficient combustion and inadequate ventilation. This study was conducted to see if there is any association between the type of cooking fuel and common health problems in light of inadequate ventilation. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study; 688 subjects were selected randomly from various sectors and the outlying areas of Surajkund. The impact of indoor air pollution on health was assessed by questionnaires, general physical examination, and pulmonary function testing. Results: One of the key findings of the study has been the implication of LPG, touted as a safe, non-polluting fuel with a definite negative impact on health. There was significantly more breathlessness experienced by LPG users as opposed to the users of wood and cow dung. Though the prevalence of fever in both groups was similar, chest pain, burning of eyes, and fatigue were reported by wood and cow dung users much more frequently. The pulmonary function test showed restrictive pathology in cow dung and wood users, whereas obstructive pathology in LPG users. Conclusions: LPG is considered “clean” fuel because it does not produce visible emissions. However, improper burner design, blocking and clogging of the flue vent, and insufficient combustion air result in improper combustion and the emission of aldehydes, CO, hydrocarbons, and other organics. It would be folly to believe that LPG is harmless. Even a harmless material may become harmful if used inappropriately.

Chronic exposure to indoor air pollutants in association with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in Chinese schoolchildren: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundWhile increasing studies confirmed the adverse effects of indoor air pollution (IAP) on cardiopulmonary systems, less is known about the impact of IAP on child’s brain. ObjectiveTo explore the associations between multiple indoor air pollutants exposures and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in Chinese schoolchildren. MethodsWe invited 8630 individuals aged 6–12 years from an ongoing school-based cohort study across Guangzhou from April to May 2019. There are 7495 and 7245 children were respectively evaluated on the parent- and teacher-rated Conner’s Rating Scale-Revised, and 7087 children were assessed on both versions. Indoor air pollutants exposures including cooking oil fumes, incense burning, home renovation, and secondhand smoke, were measured using a questionnaire reported by parents and children, and further converted into an index. Generalized linear mixed-effects models were performed to evaluate the associations between indoor air pollutants exposures and ADHD index and the presence of ADHD symptoms. ResultsAs reported by parents, 321 (4.3%) children had ADHD symptoms. Each of the four pollutants was positively associated with higher ADHD index and higher odds of ADHD symptoms. Children exposed to 1, 2, and ≥ 3 types of indoor air pollutants had higher ADHD index and higher odds of ADHD symptoms than those non-exposed children. For parent-reported ADHD symptoms, the odds ratios ranged from 1.24 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.92–1.67] to 2.73 (95% CI: 1.86–4.01). These associations were consistent in parent- and teacher-reported ADHD symptoms, and the combination of both. ConclusionIndoor air pollutants exposures were positively associated with higher prevalence of children’s ADHD symptoms assessed by whether parents or teachers.

Health impact of indoor air pollution in the gulf region: A review

Factors such as unfavorable meteorological conditions within the Gulf region force citizens to spend a considerable amount of time in their homes. Indoor air quality in the Arabian Gulf is rapidly becoming an issue of vital concern that requires urgent governmental intervention and control measures as well as increased in-depth research on likely health consequences. In this review, we surveyed the current literature on the potential health impact of daily household activities in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries like Qatar where practiced traditions such as burning incense and scented candles are commonplace. These may increase indoor pollution levels, and worsen the health conditions of residents. The main goal of this review is to assess the extent of common indoor pollutants and suggest strategies of pollution control that may alleviate pollution concentration in an indoor environment. Creating awareness about the most common sources of indoor air pollution in the GCC may help improve health promotion and lifestyle changes, especially with respect to reproductive health that is a major concern in the region. The government may also explore recommendations for more environmentally friendly incense and organic candles.

Health impact of indoor air pollution in the gulf region: A review

Health impact of indoor air pollution in the gulf region: A review

Pollutant Levels at Cooking Place and Their Association with Respiratory Symptoms in Women in a Rural Area of Delhi-NCR

Household air pollution resulting from biomass and coal stoves is implicated in more than one-third cases of annual deaths from chronic lung diseases worldwide and nearly 3% of lung cancer deaths. This burden is borne largely by poor women in the developing countries. We carried out a study to evaluate its association with respiratory symptoms in women in a rural area. The study was carried out using a standard questionnaire, in 92 households including 174 women. The data on respiratory symptoms in women, kitchen type and location in households, type of fuel used for cooking, permanent ventilation in kitchen, presence of exhaust, history of tobacco smoking and indoor pollution level were obtained. Spirometery of participants was conducted. The indoor particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5 and PM1) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured in each home. The households were divided into two groups according to the location of the kitchen. In 46 households (Group A) women had a separate room as kitchen for cooking with good ventilation and exhaust conditions; and in the remaining 46 households (Group B) cooking was done in the living area. Seventy (76.1%) households used biomass fuel for cooking and heating (37; 80.4%, in Group A versus 46; 100% in Group B). The proportion of women with respiratory symptoms for one year or more was significantly high in Group B compared to Group A (13.0% versus 3.1% p = 0.01). The households which did not have a separate kitchen (Group B) had higher particulate matter and VOCs concentration. This study contributes to the growing evidence of adverse impact of indoor air pollution from biomass combustion on health of females. Results of the study demonstrated significantly high particulate matter (PM2.5), in households not using a separate room for cooking with biomass fuel.

Indoor Air Quality among the Rural Community of Bhutan

Introduction: Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in Bhutan remains a concern, as firewood and biomass combustion are the fuels generally used for cooking and heating. The adverse impact of indoor air pollution (AIP) on health is inevitable and requires further evidence to be acquainted with strategic modifications. This study aimed to determine IAQ in the rural communities of Bhutan. Method: Air sampling equipment DUSTTRA DRX Aerosol Monitor was used to collect samples from 161 rural households with randomised sampling from February to June 2021. An hourly survey included data extraction regarding particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 ) and common health problems among household members. Results: IAQ worsened during the cooking hours, where PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 increased by 118%, 112.2%, and 111.6%, respectively. Overall, 77% of households used firewood for cooking, 96.3% used it for room heating, and 100% used fodder for cooking. The main source of higher indoor air pollution was associated with the combustion of sawdust, firewood, and biogas. Similarly, traditional mud stoves generated more IAP than gas and modified mud stoves. It is found that there is a significant association of longer hours of window-opening (p &lt; 0.05) and more numbers of rooms (p &lt; 0.001), with IAP. Common health-related complaints comprised eye irritation (22%), headache (22%), coughing (19%), and skin irritation (11%). Conclusion: This study recorded high concentrations of PM during biomass combustion in rural houses in Bhutan. The Study demonstrated the importance of modified stoves with efficient venting systems as alternatives to counter the long-term burden of IAP.

Sustainable solutions for indoor pollution abatement during COVID phase: A critical study on current technologies & challenges

The appearance of the contagious virus COVID-19, several revelations and environmental health experts punctually predicted the possibly disastrous public health complications of coexisting catching and airborne contamination-arbitrated disease. But much attention has been given on the outdoor-mediated interactions. Almost 3.8 million premature deaths occur every year globally due to the illness from indoor air pollution. Considering the human staying longer span indoors due to restricted human activities or work from home, the indoor air quality (IAQ) might show prominent role for individual health life. Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ensures no regulation of indoor airborne pollution. Herein, the paper underlines the common bases of indoor air pollution, poor IAQ, and impacts of the aerosolized airborne particles on the human health. In order to address these challenges and collective contagion events in indoor environment, several emerging control techniques and preventive sustainable solutions are suggested. By this, more innovations need to be investigated in future to measure the impact of indoor air pollution on individual health.