Mosquito Coils Research Articles

Characteristics of indoor air pollutants and estimation of their exposure dose

Rural areas of developing countries have various indoor air pollution sources along with solid fuels used for cooking. This study aims to compare five indoor air pollution sources, viz., incense stick, dhoop, mosquito coil, cigarette, and cooking fuel charcoal, with respect to their pollution potential. The monitoring of PM, CO, CO2, NO2, and particulate bound heavy metals was carried out. Dhoop (DH1) was found to be emitting the highest concentration of metal Sb among all the analyzed metals. Dhoop, incense sticks, mosquito coil, and charcoal were found to be having high pollution potential. The first-order decay rate equation indicated that the highest decay rate constant per hour was observed with dhoop (DH1) for PM10 and PM2.5 and with mosquito coil (M1) for CO. The highest half-life of PM10 and PM2.5 was observed for cigarette (CG1) and charcoal (C1) respectively indicating their slow decay in air. The average daily dose values indicated that the age group 6 to < 11 years, 11 to < 16 years, and 31 to < 51 years will be more vulnerable to PM emissions from dhoop (DH1) and incense stick (IS1). The highest hazard index was estimated for incense stick (IS1) and charcoal. Significant carcinogenic risk was observed from cigarette and charcoal. The multiple-path particle dosimetry (MPPD) model was used to estimate the deposition of PM fractions in various regions of the human body.

Improvement of DEET level of product X using Deming cycle (PDCA Method) in PT Z

DEET is a complex compound that is used as an active ingredient in the manufacture of insect repellent products. PT Z is one of the sub-contracting companies that manufacture mosquito coils from PT XYZ with product X. PT Z received complaints from PT XYZ claiming that DEET levels in a tested batch were below the specified specifications. PT Z needs to conduct an internal assessment and investigation to find the cause of the release of DEET levels from the specification range. The research was carried out with a Deming cycle, namely the sub-stage PDCA method. Based on the results of the investigation, the decrease in DEET levels is caused by the inhomogeneity of DEET in the product because the mixing process is only done in 5 minutes, so it is necessary to optimize the mixing time. Both parties have agreed on corrective and preventive actions in the form of a revalidation process by determining the best mixing time, which is 20 minutes, which produces a DEET level of 32.58%. Validation is carried out for three consecutive batches with all batches showing DEET results that meet the specified product specifications.

Knowledge, attitude and prevention practices of garment factory workers regarding the largest Dengue outbreak on record in Bangladesh.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and prevention practices (KAP) among the garment factory worker population in Bangladesh regarding a historical dengue outbreak in 2019. A total of 400 participants were selected by simple random sampling, and questionnaire-based interviews were conducted. The average score of knowledge, attitude and prevention practice was 8.33±2.35, 6.32±1.20 and 6.31±1.50, respectively. Only 76 out of 400 participants (19%) scored above 10 (all university-educated). Participant workers reported both negative and positive attitudes regarding dengue fever (DF). Negative attitudes included an expectation of increased mortality and strained family finances from DF attacks. A significantly high number of participants (92%) believed that death from DF was inevitable. Positive attitudes included optimism about DF eradication potentials and eagerness to help and donate blood to sick relatives. Participants primarily learned about the DF prevention from mass media (244/400; 61.0%) and social media (97/400; 24.25%). The most popular prevention measures adopted were mosquito repellent incense (344/400; 86.0%) and mosquito nets (389/400; 97.25%). While most participants (358/400; 89.5%) cleaned areas where mosquitos lay eggs, only 169 out of 400 (42.25%) regularly treated with chemical sprays. Only 182 out of 400 (45.5%) reported receiving DF prevention training in the factory. Correlation between DF knowledge and education was statistically significant (r=.38, p<.01, n=398). Correlation between DF knowledge and work experience was insignificant (r=.01, p>.01, n=398). Age and DF knowledge were not correlated (r=0.07, p>.01, n=398). In conclusion, gaps in KAP for dengue could be addressed by government-sponsored educational programmes that utilize the power of mass/social media for dengue prevention and control. More KAP surveillance studies are needed for other sectors of the society.

Efficacy of Commonly Used Mosquito Coils Containing Pyrethrin against Lymphatic Filariasis Vector Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) in Gombe

Aims: Mosquito coil is a common insect repellant used in many homes to repel and kill mosquitoes that transmit diseases and another insect pest. The present study was conducted to explore the potency of the commonly used brand of mosquito coil containing pyrethroids against Culex quinquefasciatus in Gombe and its communities.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biological sciences insectary laboratory of Gombe State University, Gombe, Nigeria between August and December 2017.&#x0D; Methodology: Four (4) different brands tagged; C1, C2, C3 and C4 containing 0.08% Merperflutrin, 0.2% Pyrethroids, 0.05% Transflutrine + 0.1% Esbiothrin and 0.25% d-Trans-allethrin respectively were investigated. Ten (10) reared adult mosquitoes were transferred separately into various containers using an aspirator. Data on knockdown time and Adult mortality were recorded. All the data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the significant difference between the treatments at P=.05. &#x0D; Results: Merperflutrin 0.08%, Transflutrine 0.05% + Esbiothrin 0.1% and 0.25% d-Transalletrin recorded highest mortality of 100% each and 0.2% Pyrethroids recorded 96% mortality at 24hours of exposure to the treatment respectively. The mortality is time- dependent and all the treatments show significant mortality at P=.05. Transflutrine 0.05% + Esbiothrin 0.1% recorded the lowest KT50 value of 2.41 min.&#x0D; Conclusion: Merperflutrin 0.08%, and Transflutrine 0.05% + Esbiothrin 0.1% have the highest efficacy; faster knockdown rate and could be used as a repellent in minimizing the population of the indoor resting density of mosquitoes’ species in our homes.

Histological Changes in Proximal and Distal Convoluted Tubules of Kidney of Albino Rats after Exposure to Mosquito Coil Smoke Inhalation

Objective: To evaluate the effects of the mosquito coil smoke (MCS) inhalation on histology of proximal (PCT) and distal (DCT) convoluted tubules of kidney in Wistar Albino rats. Methods: This study was approved by the Ethical Committee of PGMI, Lahore. 24 Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups, each containing eight animals. Group A was control; Group B and C were experimental groups and were exposed to mosquito coil smoke inhalation for 8 hours/day for two and four weeks respectively. Kidney tissue of albino rats was dissected, examined and analyzed histologically. Results: The results of MCS inhalation in histological sections of group B and C showed marked cellular necrosis and vacuolization in PCT (proximal convoluted tubule) of the kidney as compared to the group A. protein cast was absent in PCT of all groups. DCT (distal convoluted tubules) in group B and C showed marked necrosis, vacuolization and protein cast. Necrosis was more marked in group C treated with mosquito coil smoke for 4 weeks. Conclusion: The results indicate that pyrethroids in mosquito coil smoke though considered least toxic pesticides, are very harmful. Exposure of pyrethroids can induce adverse changes in tubules of kidney. Key Words: MCS Mosquito Coil Smoke, Pyrethroids, PCT Proximal convoluted tubules, DCT Distal convoluted tubules. How to Cite: Siddique N, Ahmed M, Ilyas M, Jabeen R, Jawad A.H, Iqbal Z. histological changes in proximal and distal convoluted tubules of kidney of albino rats after exposure to mosquito coil smoke inhalation. Esculapio.2020;16(04):87-91.

Role of indoor aerosols for COVID-19 viral transmission: a review.

The relationship between outdoor atmospheric pollution by particulate matter and the morbidity and mortality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections was recently disclosed, yet the role of indoor aerosols is poorly known . Since people spend most of their time indoor, indoor aerosols are closer to human occupants than outdoors, thus favoring airborne transmission of COVID-19. Therefore, here we review the characteristics of aerosol particles emitted from indoor sources, and how exposure to particles affects human respiratory infections and transport of airborne pathogens. We found that tobacco smoking, cooking, vacuum cleaning, laser printing, burning candles, mosquito coils and incenses generate large quantities of particles, mostly in the ultrafine range below 100 nm. These tiny particles stay airborne, are deposited in the deeper regions of human airways and are difficult to be removed by the respiratory system. As a consequence, adverse effects can be induced by inhaled aerosol particles via oxidative stress and inflammation. Early epidemiological evidence and animal studies have revealed the adverse effects of particle exposure in respiratory infections. In particular, inhaled particles can impair human respiratory systems and immune functions, and induce the upregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, thus inducing higher vulnerability to COVID-19 infection. Moreover, co-production of inflammation mediators by COVID-19 infection and particle exposure magnifies the cytokine storm and aggravates symptoms in patients. We also discuss the role of indoor aerosol particles as virus carriers. Although many hypotheses were proposed, there is still few knowledge on interactions between aerosol articles and virus-laden droplets or droplet nuclei.

Experimental validation of vitamin C's defensive function against the biochemical changes triggered by a pyrethroid-based mosquito coil (PBMC) on testis of albino rats

Allethrin is a widely used pyrethroid in mosquito coil and has a potential toxic effect. The purpose of the current research was to explore the effects triggered by allethrin-based mosquito coil smoke using an albino wistar rat model on certain biochemical parameters to ascertain the oxidative stress to be the mechanism of insult to testicular tissue. The animals in our study were clustered among the four groups. Group 1st, with 12 rats represented as control, while group 2nd having 12 rats, mosquito coil smoke was given to them 8 hours per day, seven days per week for twelve weeks. Group 3rd with 8 rats having the same exposure as in group 2nd and then kept for further 8 weeks without any exposure served as the withdrawal group. Group 4th, a maximum of ten rats with similar treatment as group 2nd, together with administration of vitamin C. Group 2nd rats showed derangement in oxidative markers compared to group 1st, 3rd, and 4th as there was a substantial amount of (P

Effect of Inhalation of Pyrethroid Based Mosquito Vaporisers Fumes on the Body Weight of Male Albino Wistar Rats- An Experimental Study

Introduction: Pyrethroid based mosquito vaporisers are commonly used as Personal Protective Measure (PPM) to avoid mosquito borne diseases. Effective control of mosquito borne diseases with the use of general public health measures are yet to be achieved in our country, so there is increasing use of PPM like mosquito coils, liquid vaporisers, mats, insecticide treated bed nets in Indian population but data regarding the safety profile of PPM is still scarce. Aim: To analyse the change in the body weight of male albino wistar rats exposed to pyrethroid based mosquito vaporiser. Materials and Methods: This was an experimental study on total 12 male albino wistar rats from July 2015 to October 2016. They were randomly divided into group I and II. Each group contained six rats. Group I animals served as control and Group II animals were exposed to mosquito vaporiser, 8 hours/day for six days in a week for 90 days. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Independent samples t-test was used to compare between group differences. A p-value less than 0.05 were considered to be significant. Results: Pyrethroid exposure results in reduced weight gain in exposed group rats. The mean difference in body weight between the groups at the end of study was 37.32±24.47 gm (p=0.165). Weight gain in both the group rats was almost similar till 8th postexposure week, after that from 9th week onwards decremental trend in weight was seen in group II. Conclusion: The assessment suggests that inhalation of pyrethroid based mosquito vaporisers fumes have toxic effects, reflected as reduced weight gain following subchronic exposure.

Community acceptance of environmental larviciding against malaria with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis in rural Burkina Faso – A knowledge, attitudes and practices study

ABSTRACT Background Malaria control is based on early treatment of cases and on vector control. The current measures for malaria vector control in Africa are mainly based on long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and to a much smaller extent on indoor residual spraying (IRS). While bed net use is widely distributed and its role is intensively researched, Bti-based larviciding is a relatively novel tool in Africa. In this study, we analyze the perception and acceptability of Bti-based larval source management under different larviciding scenarios that were performed in a health district in Burkina Faso. Objective To research people’s perception and acceptance regarding biological larviciding interventions against malaria in their communities. Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken using a total of 634 administered questionnaires. Data were collected in a total of 36 rural villages and in seven town quarters of the semi-urban town of Nouna. Results Respondents had basic to good knowledge regarding malaria transmission and how to protect oneself against it. More than 90% reported sleeping under a bed net, while other measures such as mosquito coils and insecticides were only used by a minority. The majority of community members reported high perceived reductions in mosquito abundance and the number of malaria episodes. There was a high willingness to contribute financially to larviciding interventions among interviewees. Conclusions This study showed that biological larviciding interventions are welcomed by the population that they are regarded as an effective and safe means to reduce mosquito abundance and malaria transmission. A routine implementation would, despite low intervention costs, require community ownership and contribution.

Prevalence of and risk factors for respiratory symptoms in an adult urban population.

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of and risk factors for respiratory symptoms in an adult urban Pakistani population.METHODS: We conducted a multi-stage, community-based, cross-sectional survey from May 2014 to August 2015, comprising 1629 adults from 75 random clusters in Karachi using questionnaire-based interviews.RESULTS: Around 60% of participants were females and 43% belonged to the >37 years age group. At least one respiratory symptom was reported by 37.5% of participants. Breathlessness was the most common symptom (25.2%, 95%CI 23.1-27.3), followed by acute wheeze (10.1%, 95%CI 8.7-11.7). Multivariable models revealed that males and those aged >37 years were more likely to report acute and chronic phlegm and bronchitis, and breathlessness. Participants with a higher level of education were less likely to report acute and chronic cough. Participants with >5 years pack-years of smoking were more likely to report acute and chronic cough and breathlessness. Other risk factors included passive smoking, regular use of air conditioning and mosquito coils, wet spots and mould in the house, and exposure to dusty jobs.CONCLUSION: We found breathlessness to be the most prevalent respiratory symptom and identified various risk factors for respiratory symptoms.

Knowledge and Perceived Barriers towards Intermittent Prevention of Malaria in Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Intermittent prevention of malaria is a key strategy adopted globally to ensure the wellbeing of pregnant women. By extension, these strategies enhance the healthy development of the fetus. This study assesses the knowledge and practices of pregnant women towards intermittent malaria prevention strategies in the Juaben Government Hospital of Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive survey was conducted among 120 pregnant women at the antenatal clinic of the Juaben Government hospital in the Ashanti region of Ghana using a simple random sampling technique in selecting the study participants. The participant response rate was 94.5%. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Results: Majority (54.2%) of respondents were between 20 - 29 years of age. Majority of study respondents attended Antenatal visits in their first trimester of pregnancy. Majority (69.2%) have knowledge of malaria preventive strategies in pregnancy, with about 70% of respondents stating these strategies were designed only for pregnant women. Only 37.5% of study respondents could rightly identify the chemoprophylaxis indicated for malaria prevention in pregnancy. Whereas majority (93.3%) of respondents owned insecticide-treated mosquito nets, only 63.3% utilized these nets for their purpose. Barriers to utilization of insecticide-treated nets include difficulty in setting up the nets (26.7%), using mosquito coils (10.8%), and feeling uncomfortable sleeping in the nets (36.7%). Barriers to taking malaria prophylaxis include distance to health facilities (28.3%), thoughts of not being sick with malaria (55.8%), using herbs (10.0%), and not being aware of the essence of prophylaxis (7.5%). Conclusion: Knowledge of malaria preventive strategies in pregnancy is high. However, utilization of these strategies is low due to perceived human and institutional barriers. A comprehensive community-wide approach is required to improve the utilization of these services among pregnant women.

Utilization of the castor seed cake (biowaste) for mosquito vector control.

The present work is related to the utilization of castor (Ricinus communis) seed cake, biowaste produced during the oil extraction of castor seeds, as efficient mosquitocidal composition against Aedes aegypti and Anopheles culicifacies. The efficacy of coil formulations was evaluated in the Peet Grady chamber and resulted in 90% and 100% knocked down and mortality against A. aegypti and A. Culicifacies, respectively. Further heavy metals' (Cr, Pb, Co, As, Cd, Cu, Mn, and Zn) analysis of the coil was performed using Inductively Coupled Plasma mass spectrometry and was compared with commercially available mosquito repellent coil. Heavy metal analysis revealed that commercial repellent coil had a higher content of heavy metals than the castor seed cake coil. Finding of the present research study indicates that castor seed cake coil has the potential to be used in mosquito vector control. Castor seed cake coil formulation will also open up avenues in future for sustainable utilization of the biowaste.

Susceptibility of young and adult rat kidneys to impacts of mosquito coil fumes

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to investigate the effect of exposure to mosquito coil fumes (6 hr/day, 6 days/week, for 4 weeks) on the biochemical and histological structure of kidney in young and adult male rats. Atomic analysis of the coil was estimated to indicate the main constituent elements of the coil. Results showed a non-significant change in body weight gain and somatic indices, except for the heart somatic index that increased significantly in both ages compared to control groups. Biochemical analysis showed a significant increase in serum levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), cystatin C. However, serum total protein content was reduced significantly. Urine analysis showed a marked increase in creatinine, urea, total protein, microalbuminuria, and NGAL, along with a significant reduction at glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Moreover, serum and urine Na+ and K+ levels showed no obvious changes in both ages compared to control groups, except for serum sodium in the young group. Histopathological examination confirmed the destructive effect of coil fumes on tubules and glomeruli of exposed kidneys, which was obvious in young than adult rats. Thus, inhalation of coil fumes may provide a serious risk on the kidney health of exposed human beings

Invisible Agents of COVID-19 Transmission? Common Sources, Characteristics, and Implications of Indoor Aerosols

The positive association between outdoor atmospheric particulate matter and the morbidity and mortality of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections was concluded by recent studies. Since people spend most of their time indoor, aerosol particles generated by indoor activities have inherently closer links to human occupants and more direct implications on the airborne transmission of COVID-19. In light of this risk, we reviewed the characteristics of aerosol particles emitted from common indoor sources and how exposure to those particles affects human respiratory infections as well as the transport of airborne pathogens. Activities such as tobacco smoking, cooking, vacuum cleaning, laser printing, and burning candles, mosquito coils or incenses can generate large quantities of particles, mostly in the ultrafine range (< 100 nm). These tiny particles – each may have unique properties and aerodynamics depending on the sources and environmental conditions upon their release – could stay airborne and deposit in the deeper regions of human airways while being difficult to clear by the respiratory system. Adverse effects can be induced by inhaled aerosol particles via oxidative stress and inflammation. Early epidemiology evidence and animal studies showed the confounding effects of particle exposure in respiratory infections. Specifically, inhaled particles can impair human respiratory systems and immune functions and induce the upregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, causing vulnerability to COVID-19 infection. Moreover, co-production of inflammation mediators by COVID-19 infection and particle exposure magnifies the cytokine storm and aggravates symptoms in patients. We also discuss the possibility of indoor aerosol particles being virus carriers in the airborne transmission of COVID-19. Although many hypotheses were proposed in recent discussions, no rigorous evidence was provided to elucidate interactions between aerosol articles and virus-laden droplets or droplet nuclei, and studies are needed on how these interactions affect the persistence, transport, and lung deposition of COVID-19 and other airborne pathogens.

Light Observations

Light Observations Andrew Lansdown (bio) iA buffeting—and windbells jubilantlyhullabalooing. iiA mosquito coil—offering up incense toa minuscule god. iiiThe dove's victory—tug on any fiddlestickto collapse the stack. ivThe ram paddock—a gathering of Scotsmen,sporrans swinging. vGlorious racket—one million frogs holleringor one megafrog? viThe spiderweb—billowing out with breezesit cannot catch. [End Page 346] viiCafé veranda—a housefly kamikazesa cappuccino. viiiJumbled but jolly—the little pod of green whalesin the gherkin jar. [End Page 347] Andrew Lansdown Andrew Lansdown is a widely published and award-winning Australian writer whose works include three novels, two short story collections, and fifteen poetry collections. His most recent books are Distillations of Different Lands (Sunline Press, 2018), Kyoto Momiji Tanka: Poems and Photographs of Japan in Autumn (Rhiza Press, 2019), and Abundance: New and Selected Poems (Wipf and Stock/Cascade Books, 2020). Copyright © 2020 Wayne State University Press

Factors associated with sub-microscopic placental malaria and its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes among HIV-negative women in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: a cohort study

BackgroundMalaria infection during pregnancy has negative health consequences for both mothers and offspring. Sub-microscopic malaria infection during pregnancy is common in most African countries. We sought to identify factors associated with sub-microscopic placental malaria, and its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes among HIV-negative pregnant women in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.MethodsWe recruited a cohort of pregnant women during their first trimester and assessed for the occurrence of placental malaria and pregnancy outcomes. The follow-up was done monthly from recruitment until delivery. Histopathology placental malaria positive results were defined as the presence of malaria pigment or parasitized erythrocytes on the slide (histology-positive (HP)), and the sub-microscopic placental infection was defined as positive Plasmodium falciparum DNA by polymerase chain reaction (DNA PCR) amplification in a negative histopathology test. Adverse pregnancy outcomes investigated included low birth weight (birth weight below 2.5 kg), prematurity (live birth below 37 weeks), and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) (live born with a birth weight below 10th percentile for gestational age and sex). Weighted baseline category logit, log-binomial, and log-Poisson models were used to assess factors associated with placental malaria, and its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes.ResultsAmong 1115 women who had histopathology and DNA PCR performed, 93 (8%) had HP placental infection, and 136 (12%) had the sub-microscopic placental infection. The risk of sub-microscopic placental malaria was greater in women who did not use mosquito prevention methods such as bed nets, fumigation, or mosquito coils (odds ratio (OR) = 1.75; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–2.92; P = 0.03) and in women who were anemic (OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.20–2.11; P = 0.001). Women who were underweight had reduced odds of sub-microscopic placental malaria infection (OR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.17–0.62; P = 0.001). Women who were overweight/obese had 1.48 times higher the odds of HP placental malaria compared to normal weight (OR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.03–2.11; P = 0.03). HP placental malaria infection was associated with an increased risk of SGA births (RR = 1.30, 95% CI: 0.98–1.72, P = 0.07). In contrast, the sub-microscopic infection was associated with a reduced risk of SGA births (RR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.43–0.88, P = 0.01). Placental malaria was not associated with low birth weight or prematurity.ConclusionMalaria prevention methods and maternal nutrition status during early pregnancy were important predictors of sub-microscopic placental malaria. More research is needed to understand sub-microscopic placental malaria and the possible mechanisms mediating the association between placental malaria and SGA.

Factors associated with chronic airflow limitation among adults in Karachi, Pakistan

Background: Using a fixed cut-off for defining airflow limitation might “over” or “under” estimate the diagnosis, hence, "over or under " estimation of risk factors associated with airflow limitation. Using absolute values of the FEV1/FVC ratio without using fixed cut-off has been less investigated in Pakistan. The objective was to determine the risk factors associated with chronic airflow limitation using absolute FEV1/FVC value among adults 18 years and above in the urban area of Karachi.Methods: A multi-stage, community-based survey was conducted in Karachi among adults 18 years and above, recruited from 75 randomly selected clusters. Interview through the American Thoracic Society respiratory questionnaire and spirometry was conducted among 919 participants. The outcome of interest was chronic airflow limitation defined as post-bronchodilator absolute FEV1/FVC ratio. Multivariable linear regression was done to determine factors associated with the post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio.Results: The mean (± SD) post-bronchodilator absolute FEV1/FVC ratio was 0.79 (± 0.07). Chronic airflow limitation was significantly associated with increasing age (Adj. β: -0.06, 95% CI: -0.07 to -0.05), illiteracy (Adj. β: -0.02, 95% CI: -0.03 to -0.004), mosquito coil use (Adj. β: -0.01, 95% CI: -0.02 to -0.002), pack-years of smoking for &gt;20 years (Adj. β: -0.06, 95% CI: -0.08 to -0.03), history of allergy (Adj. β: -0.02, 95% CI: -0.03 to -0.01) and family history of asthma (Adj. β: -0.02, 95% CI: (-0.03 to -0.001). Airflow improved with ventilated kitchen (Adj. β: 0.01, 95% CI: 0.002 to 0.022).Conclusion: Preventive measures should be targeted contextually to reduce smoking habits, enhance health literacy to eliminate indoor air pollutants and efficient environmental conditions with good ventilation inside households.

Effects of indoor environment and lifestyle on respiratory health of children in Chongqing, China

BackgroundThe prevalence of certain respiratory diseases of children in China appears to be on the rise in recent decades. This study aims to explore residential environmental factors that may affect respiratory diseases and lung function of children and to assess the effects of lifestyle (diet and exercise) on lung function.MethodsThe study was conducted in Chongqing, southwest of China in June, 2017. Information on respiratory diseases was obtained from 2,126 primary school children through a family questionnaire by purposive sampling. In addition, a random sample of 771 children participating in the family-questionnaire was selected for physical measurements and lung function test as well as lifestyle questionnaire survey. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze the relationship between indoor environment and children’s respiratory diseases. The effects of indoor environment and lifestyle on lung function indices were analyzed by t-test, variance analysis, and univariate and multivariate linear regression methods.ResultsAmong residential environmental factors, indoor ventilation and air circulation were significant associated with children’s respiratory health outcomes. The use of air conditioning for more than 8 h/day in summer was a risk factor for asthma with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 1.99, bronchitis (AOR =1.62), and allergic rhinitis (AOR =1.51). Ventilation for less than 12 h per day during summer increased the risk for allergic rhinitis (AOR =1.40). Children living in homes with an opened kitchen had the risk of developing allergic rhinitis 1.51 times higher than children living in homes with a closed kitchen. Indoor dampness and mold were significantly associated with increased risks for childhood asthma (AOR =2.16), bronchitis (AOR =1.55) and allergic rhinitis (AOR =1.55). The frequent use of hygienic incense and mosquito coils also increased the risk for asthma (AOR =2.58) and bronchitis (AOR =1.42) in children. The multiple linear regression results showed that frequent use of air fresheners reduced children’s peak expiratory flow (PEF) and small airway function (FEF25–75) after potential influencing factors were adjusted for. Analyses of lifestyle variables showed that increased lung function (FVC, FEV1, FEV3) was associated with increasing consumption of vegetable and fruit as well as increasing time of physical exercise.ConclusionsThis study identified the following residential risk factors for children’s respiratory diseases in Chongqing: poor indoor ventilation, home dampness and mold presence, and frequent use of hygienic incense and mosquito coils. Frequent use of air fresheners is associated with reduced lung function in children. High frequency consumption of vegetables, fruits and dairy products as well as daily exercise for more than 1 hour have positive effects on children’s lung development.

Mosquito vector borne disease-malaria and public awareness in Sonitpur and Udalguri districts of Assam, India

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal vector borne disease caused by a parasite that usually infects a certain type of anopheles mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, flu-like illness and shaking chills. While malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented. The current study has been carried out in different sites of Udalguri and Sonitpur district of Assam state during January 2014 to December 2016 with the principal objectives of evaluating the status of disease malaria and various factors of its occurrence with regards to malaria in that area to know its diversity. The awareness and knowledge of the local residents in the study area has also been taken into account. From the present study we have observed that there is lack of proper knowledge and awareness with regards to prevention of malaria among the local people. As far as prevention of malaria is concerned, it was seen that mosquito nets and coils were used by most of the people, but other alternative prevention measures such as prevention of water logging, proper disposal of waste, sanitation and personal hygiene should also be taken care of. Only those developed country where diseases transmission by mosquitos is no longer of primary health significance can afford specific programmes to control the pest mosquito population. Most developing countries will continue to concentrate their efforts against vector mosquitos. One of the advantages of environmental management is that, by reducing and suppressing the breeding habitats of vector mosquitos, it also reduces the population of pest mosquito species that use the same habitats for breeding.

Hubungan Paparan Asap dengan Kejadian Infeksi Saluran Pernapasan Akut (ISPA) pada Anak Usia 0-5 Tahun di Wilayah Pertanian Kecamatan Panti Kabupaten Jember

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) in developing countries at the age of under five have a fairly high prevalence, which relates to air pollution at home, such smoke as firewood, cigarette and mosquito coils.Methods: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between smoke exposure of ARI in age child 0-5 year in agricultural area Panti District, Jember Regency. A case control study design was conducted among grup control 120 and case grup 120 of respondent using stratified random sampling. A self administered questionnaire was used to interview indoor air quality. Chi Square test was perform to analyze the relationship between smoke exposure of ARI.Result: The result identified as exposure to firewood smoke 63.3%, exposure to cigarette smoke 75.8% and exposure to smoke from mosquito coils 68.3%. There were significantly relationship between firewood (χ2 = 5.813; p-value = 0.016), exposure to cigarette smoke (χ2 = 9.094; p-value = 0.004), can immediately bring mosquito coils (χ2 = 4.929; p-value = 0.037). Smoke exposure is relationship with ARI in age child 0-5 year.Conclusion : Therefore, efforts to ARI can be prevented by family who maintain air quality at home.