Indoor air quality, environmental tobacco smoke and asthma: A case control study of asthma in a community population

Gee, IL; Watson, AFR; Tavernier, G; Stewart, LJ; Fletcher, G; Niven, RM

HERO ID

626369

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2005

Language

English

HERO ID 626369
In Press No
Year 2005
Title Indoor air quality, environmental tobacco smoke and asthma: A case control study of asthma in a community population
Authors Gee, IL; Watson, AFR; Tavernier, G; Stewart, LJ; Fletcher, G; Niven, RM
Journal Indoor and Built Environment
Volume 14
Issue 3-4
Page Numbers 215-219
Abstract In recent decades the prevalence of asthma has been increasing in Western countries. Altered environment and lifestyle conditions have been implicated but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The Indoor Pollutants, Endotoxin, Allergens, Damp and Asthma (IPEADAM) study is a cross-sectional, case control study designed to analyse the home environments of 200 children in Manchester. In this paper the home concentrations and relationships to asthma development have been examined for a variety of indoor agents including environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and damp, which have been reported as potential factors in the development or the exacerbation of asthma. Levels of respirable particles and tobacco specific particles were found to be significantly higher in the homes with smokers present, but there were no differences in the levels of NO2, formaldehyde or VOCs. However, there were no significant differences in the levels of tobacco related pollutants in the homes of children with and without asthma. Similarly there were no statistically significant differences in the levels of NO2, formaldehyde, VOCs, temperature or relative humidity between the homes of children with and without asthma. This study has demonstrated that few differences exist between the home environments of English children, between 4-16 years of age, with asthma and those without the disease. The parameters examined in this study are unlikely to be related to the development of asthma. Avoidance of these pollutants may not be beneficial in preventing the development of asthma in this age group.
Doi 10.1177/1420326X05054288
Wosid WOS:000229197100005
Url <Go to ISI>://WOS:000229197100005
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Source: Web of Science WOS:000229197100005
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword indoor air quality; environmental tobacco smoke; asthma; homes; case control
Is Qa No