Indoor air pollution and lung function growth among children in four Chinese cities

Roy, A; Chapman, RS; Hu, W; Wei, F; Liu, X; Zhang, J

HERO ID

2081134

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2012

Language

English

PMID

21954855

HERO ID 2081134
In Press No
Year 2012
Title Indoor air pollution and lung function growth among children in four Chinese cities
Authors Roy, A; Chapman, RS; Hu, W; Wei, F; Liu, X; Zhang, J
Journal Indoor Air
Volume 22
Issue 1
Page Numbers 3-11
Abstract <strong>UNLABELLED: </strong>Ambient air pollution has been associated with decreased growth in lung function among children; but little is known about the impact of indoor air pollution. We examined relationships between indoor air pollution metrics and lung function growth, among children (n = 3273) aged 6-13 years living in four Chinese cities. Lung function parameters (FVC and FEV(1) ) were measured twice a year. Questionnaires were used to determine home coal burning and ventilation practices. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine associations. Use of coal as a household fuel was associated with 16.5 ml/year lower (33%, P &lt; 0.001) and 20.5 ml/year lower (39%, P &lt; 0.001) growth in children's FEV(1) and FVC, respectively. FEV(1) growth was 10.2 ml/year higher (20%, P = 0.009), and FVC growth was 17.0 ml/year higher (33%, P &lt; 0.001) among children who lived in houses with the presence of a ventilation device. Among children living in houses where coal was used as a fuel and no ventilation devices were present, adjusted FVC and FEV(1) growth, respectively, were 37% and 61% that of the average growth per year in the full cohort. This suggests that household coal use may cause deficits in lung function growth, while using ventilation devices may be protective of lung development.<br /><br /><strong>PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: </strong>Nearly 3.4 billion people use solid fuels in homes for cooking and/or heating. We report the following findings from a longitudinal study: (i) household coal use is significantly associated with reduction in children's lung function growth and (ii) the use of household ventilation devices is significantly associated with higher lung function growth, particularly among children living in households where coal is used as a fuel. These findings not only provide evidence that indoor coal use impairs children's lung development but also point to the importance of improving ventilation conditions in reducing harmful effects of indoor air pollution sources.
Doi 10.1111/j.1600-0668.2011.00748.x
Pmid 21954855
Wosid WOS:000298984200002
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Pulmonary function; Household solid fuels; Coal; House ventilation; China; Children