Effects of environmental tobacco smoke on respiratory health of boys and girls from kindergarten: results from 15 districts of northern China

The effects of childhood environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure on respiratory symptoms were investigated in 6053 kindergarten-aged children residing in 15 districts of northern China. Responses to a self-administered questionnaire completed by parents of children from 30 kindergartens were used to ascertain children with persistent cough, persistent phlegm, asthma symptom, current asthma, wheeze and wheeze without asthma. In first 2 years ETS exposure and current ETS exposure were associated with increased prevalence of persistent cough, persistent phlegm, wheeze and wheeze without asthma. Among boys, ETS exposure was associated with more respiratory symptoms and diseases than in girls. ETS exposure during pregnancy was associated with asthma symptom [odds ratio (OR), 3.00; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28-7.03], current asthma (OR, 3.38; 95% CI: 1.25-9.14), persistent cough (OR, 1.64; 95% CI: 1.13-2.37), persistent phlegm (OR, 1.74; 95% CI: 1.01-3.01), wheeze (OR, 1.75; 95% CI: 1.15-2.68), and wheeze without asthma (OR, 1.46; 95% CI: 1.01-2.37) only among boys. In boys, the adjusted ORs for increased risk of asthma symptom and current asthma for household exposures (> or =10 cigarettes smoked per day vs. none smoked) during workday were 2.04 (95% CI: 1.01-3.89) and 2.76 (95% CI: 1.06-9.58), respectively. We conclude that ETS exposure increases the occurrence of respiratory symptoms and diseases during childhood. Boys may be more susceptible to ETS than girls. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is a highly prevalent respiratory irritant. In agreement with previous cross-sectional studies, our study indicates that exposure to ETS may increase the occurrence of respiratory symptoms and diseases in children, and the association of ETS exposure and respiratory health of children increased in strength with number of cigarettes smoked inside the house per day during workday and day-off. Boys may be more susceptible to ETS than girls. These findings support the view that measures should be taken to reduce ETS exposure for children.     

Indoor air pollution and self-reported diseases - a case study of NCT of Delhi

People in modern societies often spend 80-90% of their time in indoor environments. It is, therefore, imperative to analyze indoor air quality (IAQ) and its determinants and to consider the contribution of IAQ to possible health outcomes at the household level. Based on empirical data collected from 5949 households from 35 wards of Delhi, it can be summarized that higher proportions of residents live in degraded indoor environmental conditions. The highest risks to health were attached to use of traditional fuels (64%), lack of a kitchen (59%), exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) (55%), and poor ventilation (55%). Acute respiratory infections (43%) were identified as one of the most prevalent health problems confronted by residents and are strongly associated with use of traditional fuels (adjusted OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.3-3.1). Asthma shows a significant relationship with the use of traditional fuels (adjusted OR 3.8, 95% CI 3.4-4.3), exposure to ETS (adjusted OR 2.5, 95% CI 2.2-2.7), and poor ventilation (adjusted OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.13-1.41). Lung cancer (adjusted OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.38-1.71) and cardiovascular diseases (adjusted OR 2.25, 95% CI 2.01-2.53) also show a strong relationship with ETS exposure. More research is needed. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The present study can help to create new insights in understanding the gravity of indoor air quality problems in Delhi and can therefore provide interesting material to social scientists, public health officers, planners, and decision makers. The information can be utilized to help formulate comprehensive policies and planning with a humanistic approach for proper urban indoor environments that will be applicable at all administrative levels, viz. local, national, and international, and will also provide an important background for additional research in this area.     

Home dampness,childhood asthma,hay fever,and airway symptoms in Shanghai,China: associations,dose‐response relationships,and lifestyle's influences

Numerous studies of associations between dampness and respiratory diseases have been conducted, but their implications remain inconclusive. In this study of 13,335 parent‐reported questionnaires (response rate: 85.3%), we analyzed associations between home dampness and asthma and related symptoms in 4‐ to 6‐year‐old children in a cross‐sectional study of Shanghai. Indicators of home dampness were strongly and significantly associated with dry cough, wheeze, and rhinitis symptoms. In the current residence, children with visible mold spots (VMS) exposure had 32% higher risk of asthma (adjusted OR, 95% CI: 1.32, 1.07–1.64); damp clothing and/or bedding (frequently) was strongly associated with dry cough (1.78, 1.37–2.30); condensation on windows was strongly associated with hay fever (1.60, 1.27–2.01). In the early‐life residence, VMS or damp stains (frequently) were strongly associated with dry cough (2.20, 1.55–3.11) and rhinitis ever (1.57, 1.11–2.21). Associations between dampness and diseases among children with or without family history of atopy were similar. The total number of dampness indicators had strong dose‐response relationships with investigated health outcomes. Actions, including opening windows of the child's room at night and cleaning the child's room frequently, could potentially mitigate 25% of home VMS, thereby preventing more than 1.5% of attributable risk of the studied symptoms.     

Breastfeeding modifies the effects of environment tobacco smoke exposure on respiratory diseases and symptoms in Chinese children: the Seven Northeast Cities Study

To evaluate the potential effect of interaction between breastfeeding and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure on respiratory health, we studied 31 049 children (aged 2–14 years) from 25 districts of seven cities in northeast China. Parents of the children completed standardized questionnaires that characterized the children's histories of respiratory symptoms and illness, feeding methods, ETS exposure, and other associated risk factors. Breastfeeding was defined as having been mainly breastfed for 3 months or more. The results showed that the association of ETS exposure with childhood respiratory conditions/diseases was modified by breastfeeding, and the association for nonbreastfed children was stronger than that for breastfed children. In particular, for nonbreastfed children, the odds ratios (ORs) for the effect of current ETS exposure asthma was 1.71 (95% CI: 1.43–2.05); however, the OR for breastfed children was 1.33 (95% CI: 1.20–1.48), indicating that the interactions between breastfeeding and current ETS exposure on asthma were statistically significant (P = 0.019). When stratified by school (kindergarten vs. elementary school), breastfeeding was more protective for asthma‐related symptoms among children from kindergarten. In conclusion, this study shows that breastfeeding is associated with smaller associations between ETS exposure and respiratory conditions in children, suggesting that breastfeeding reduces susceptibility to the respiratory effects of ETS.     

Allergy and respiratory health effects of dampness and dampness‐related agents in schools and homes: a cross‐sectional study in Danish pupils

Little is known about the health effects of school‐related indoor dampness and microbial exposures. In this study, we investigated dampness and dampness‐related agents in both homes and schools and their association with allergy and respiratory health effects in 330 Danish pupils. Classroom dampness was identified based on technical inspection and bedroom dampness on parents' self‐report. Classroom and bedroom dust was analyzed for seven microbial components. Skin prick testing determined atopic sensitization. Lung function was expressed as z‐scores for forced expiratory volume in one‐second (zFEV₁), forced vital capacity (zFVC) and the ratio zFEV₁/zFVC using GLI‐2012 prediction equations. The parents reported children's allergies, airway symptoms, and doctor‐diagnosed asthma. High classroom dampness, but not bedroom dampness, was negatively associated with zFEV₁ (β‐coef. ?0.71; 95% CI ?1.17 to ?0.23) and zFVC (β‐coef. ?0.52; 95% CI ?0.98 to ?0.06) and positively with wheezing (OR 8.09; 95% CI 1.49 to 43.97). No consistent findings were found between any individual microbial components or combination of microbial components and health outcomes. Among other indoor risk factors, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) decreased zFEV₁ (β‐coef. ?0.22; 95% CI ?0.42 to ?0.02) and zFEV₁/zFVCratio (β‐coef. ?0.26; 95% CI ?0.44 to ?0.07) and increased upper airway symptoms (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.03–2.66). In conclusion, dampness in classrooms may have adverse respiratory health effects in pupils, but microbial agents responsible for this effect remain unknown.     

Outdoor, but not indoor, nitrogen dioxide exposure is associated with persistent cough during the first year of life

Background and aims

Because their lungs and immune system are not completely developed, children are more susceptible to respiratory disease and more vulnerable to ambient pollution. We assessed the relation between prenatal and postnatal nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels and the development of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), wheezing and persistent cough during the first year of life.

Methods

The study population consisted of 352 children from a birth cohort in Valencia, Spain. Prenatal exposure to NO₂, a marker of traffic related air pollution was measured at 93 sampling sites spread over the study area during four different sampling periods of 7 days each. It was modeled for each residential address through land use regression using the empirical measurements and data from geographic information systems. Postnatal exposure was measured once inside and outside each home using passive samplers for a period of 14 days. Outcomes studied were any episode of LRTI during the child's first year of life diagnosed by a doctor (bronchitis, bronchiolitis or pneumonia), wheezing (defined as whistling sounds coming from the chest), and persistent cough (more than three consecutive weeks). Outcomes and potential confounders were obtained from structured questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify associations.

Results

The cumulative incidence (CI) at first year of life was 30.4% for LRTI (23.0% bronchiolitis, 11.9% bronchitis and 1.4% pneumonia), 26.1% for wheezing and 6.3% for persistent cough. The adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) per 10 μg/m³ increment in postnatal outdoor NO₂ concentration was 1.40 (1.02-1.92) for persistent cough. We also found some pattern of association with LRTI, bronchiolitis, bronchitis, wheezing and persistent cough in different prenatal periods, although it was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that exposure to outdoor, but not indoor, NO₂ during the first year of life increases the risk of persistent cough.     

Fungal and endotoxin measurements in dust associated with respiratory symptoms in a water-damaged office building

We investigated the associations of fungal and endotoxin levels in office dust with respiratory health in 888 (67% participation) occupants of a water-damaged building. We analyzed floor and chair dusts from 338 workstations for culturable fungi and endotoxin. Based on averages, we ranked each floor of the building as low, medium, or high for occupants' exposure to each of these agents. Multivariate logistic regression models for building-related symptoms included this ranking of fungi and endotoxin, age, gender, race, smoking status, and duration of occupancy. Using floor dust measures, we found significantly increased odds for lower respiratory symptoms [wheeze, chest tightness, attacks of shortness of breath, and attacks of cough: odds ratios (OR) = 1.7 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-2.77) to 2.4 (95% CI: 1.29-4.59)], throat irritation [OR = 1.7, (95% CI: 1.06-2.82)], and rash/itchy skin [OR = 3.0, (95% CI: 1.47-6.19)] in the highest fungal exposure group compared to the lowest, with generally linear exposure-response relationships. Nonlinear relationships were observed for many of these symptoms and endotoxin in floor dust. Interaction models showed that endotoxin modified effects of fungi on respiratory symptoms. Our findings of exposure interactions and exposure-response relationships of fungal and endotoxin with increased risk of building-related symptoms contribute to an understanding of the role of microbial agents in building-related asthma and respiratory and systemic symptoms. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our demonstration of exposure-response relationships between measurements of fungi and/or endotoxin in floor dusts and building-related symptoms implies that microbial agents in floor dust may be a good surrogate measure for dampness-related bioaerosol exposure, considering that measurements of microbial agents in air often fail to demonstrate the associations between exposure and health. In addition, our finding that endotoxin exposure may change the effect of fungal exposure (and vice versa) on respiratory heath suggests that exposure to both fungi and endotoxin should be assessed in epidemiological investigations examining the effect of fungal or endotoxin exposure on respiratory health in indoor environments.     

Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke during pregnancy and infancy increased the risk of upper respiratory tract infections in infants: A birth cohort study in Wuhan,China

We aimed to evaluate the association of the exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) during pregnancy and infancy with the risk of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) in infants based on a Chinese birth cohort study. Among 4178 infants who constituted the final study population, 46.8% experienced URTI in their first year of life. The hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the risk of URTI were assessed using Cox regression models. Compared with no ETS during pregnancy, continued ETS during pregnancy was independently associated with a higher risk of URTI (HR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.63) after adjustment for potential confounders and also associated with earlier occurrence of URTI (log-rank P = .002). The association remained consistent across the strata defined according to maternal age, number of siblings, sex, and breastfeeding. Exposure to ETS during infancy was associated with URTI only among infants who were breastfed for less than 12 months (P for interaction < 0.05).Furthermore, infants exposed to ETS during both pregnancy and infancy showed the highest HR of 1.46 (95% CI: 1.16, 1.85) for URTI. Efforts should be made to protect pregnant women and infants from the adverse effects of indoor and outdoor ETS.     

Association of air-conditioning with respiratory symptoms in office workers in tropical climate

To evaluate the association of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems (HVAC) and respiratory symptoms in a tropical city, self-administered questionnaires were given to 2000 individuals working in air-conditioned office buildings and to 500 control workers in naturally ventilated buildings. Reported symptoms from the two populations were analyzed using chi-square tests, univariate and multiple logistic regressions models. Symptoms were the outcome variable and the odds ratios were adjusted by gender, age, accumulated work time, smoking habits and atopic background. There was a 79.8% response rate and there was a positive association of nasal symptoms (odds ratio, OR = 1.59, 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.11-2.28), naso-ocular symptoms (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.05-2.38), persistent cough (OR = 3.04, 95% CI = 2.00-4.63) sinusitis symptoms (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.27-2.71) and building-related worsening of the symptoms (OR = 4.92, 95% CI = 2.93-8.27) with working in air-conditioned buildings. In conclusion, our study suggests that artificial air-conditioning is a matter of concern for respiratory symptoms in cities with hot and humid climate. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study suggests that indoor air-related respiratory symptoms are a matter of concern in places with hot and humid climate. The regression models were adjusted by confounders that could be used in further reanalysis of indoor air quality related symptoms and ventilation systems with expanded variety of climatic conditions.     

Biomarkers of exposure to passive smoking of school children: frequency and determinants

This study aims to assess the extent of children' exposure to ETS and quantify potential determinants. A total of 2767 children aged 5-14 years participated in an environmental survey in East Germany in 1998-1999 (participation rate 75.9%). A subgroup of 979 children between the ages of 11 and 14 years with complete data on nicotine and cotinine in urine were selected for this analysis. This study population consisted of 73 self-reported smokers (7.5%), 793 non-smokers (81%) and 113 children with missing data on smoking status (11.5%). Nicotine and cotinine concentrations in spontaneous urine sample were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography methods with ultraviolet-detection and corrected for creatinine. Approximately 40% of self-reported non-smokers were exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) at home. Non-smoking children exposed to parental tobacco smoke at home compared with not exposed showed in average higher nicotine and cotinine concentration (geometric mean 4.7 microg/l vs. 1.4 microg/l and 8.1 microg/l vs. 2.7 microg/l) and the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for detectable biomarkers ranged between 17 and 22. There were increased rates of detectable biomarkers in urine with increasing numbers of smoked cigarettes in the household (adjusted OR increased from 8 to 54). Maternal smoking showed a stronger effect than paternal smoking. Furthermore, low parental education, cold season, height of dwelling (相似文献   

Parental tobacco and indoor secondhand smoking exposure and the risk of offspring under-five mortality in low- and middle-income countries

Children are vulnerable to exposure of secondhand smoking (SHS) which is a major preventable cause of disease and death. This study aimed to investigate the association between parental tobacco use or SHS exposure, respectively, and under-five mortality. Data were obtained from the nationally representative and population-based Demographic and Health Surveys in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) between 2000 and 2018. Cox proportional hazard regression models with complex survey design were conducted to examine the adjusted associations between parental smoking and SHS exposure and child under-five mortality. In the pooled analysis of parental smoking, 437 322 children were included. Compared with children whose parents are not smoking, those whose father or both parents smoked any form of tobacco had higher risks of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03–1.13; HR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.06–1.32, respectively). In addition, parental using smokeless tobacco, smoking tobacco, and using smokeless tobacco and smoking tobacco simultaneously was significantly associated with child under-five mortality (HR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.01–1.12; HR = 1.12, 95%CI = 1.04–1.21; and HR = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.06–1.30, respectively). In the pooled analysis of SHS exposure, 605 442 children were included, and weekly and daily SHS exposure were significantly associated with child under-five mortality (HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.03–1.20, and HR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.06–1.15, respectively). The results were robust in most stratification analyses and sensitivity analyses. Parental tobacco use and indoor SHS exposure were associated with increased risk of under-five mortality in LMICs. Comprehensive tobacco control programs should be considered by policymakers in LMICs to promote smoke-free environments for children.     

Prevalence and risk factors associated with nonspecific building‐related symptoms in office employees in Japan: relationships between work environment,Indoor Air Quality,and occupational stress

A nationwide cross‐sectional study of 3335 employees was conducted in 320 offices in Japan to estimate the prevalence of building‐related symptoms (BRSs) and determine the risk factors related to work environment, Indoor Air Quality, and occupational stress. Data were collected through self‐administered questionnaires. The prevalences of general symptoms, eye irritation, and upper respiratory symptoms were 14.4%, 12.1%, and 8.9%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that eye irritation was significantly associated with carpeting [odds ratio (OR), 1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.24–2.41], coldness perception (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.13–1.45), and air dryness perception (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.42–1.82). General symptoms were significantly associated with unpleasant odors (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.13–1.65), amount of work (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.06–1.45), and interpersonal conflicts (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.23–1.69). Upper respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with crowded workspaces (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.13–1.63), air dryness perception (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.79–2.38), and reported dustiness on the floor (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.16–1.67). Although psychosocial support is important to reduce and control BRSs, maintaining appropriate air‐conditioning and a clean and uncrowded workspace is of equal importance.     

Effects of cigarette smoking and biomass fuel on lung function and respiratory symptoms in middle-aged adults and the elderly in Guangdong province,China: A cross-sectional study

We sought to investigate the association between active cigarette smoking (ex- and current smokers) with or without exposure to biomass fuels and respiratory symptoms/lung function in middle-aged adults and the elderly. In the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease surveillance conducted in six cities of Guangdong province, China, we surveyed 1986 residents aged 40-93 years. We recorded respiratory symptoms, smoking status, use of biomass fuel, and other covariates by using a structured questionnaire. All models were adjusted for second-hand smoking. Active smoking with or without exposure to biomass fuels was significantly associated with wheezing, chronic cough, and phlegm (all P < .05). Active smoking alone with or without exposure to biomass fuels was associated with 2.5% and 0.6% reduction in the mean forced vital capacity predicted, 6.8% and 4.2% reduction in the mean forced expiratory volume in one second predicted, and 9.0% and 4.7% reduction in the mean maximal mid-expiratory flow predicted compared with the exposure to neither smoking nor biomass fuels, respectively. However, exposure to biomass fuel alone was associated with neither greater lung function impairment nor respiratory symptoms except for chronic cough. Efforts should be made to protect home owners and their family from adverse effects of indoor air pollution.     

Indoor Environmental Risk Factors for Respiratory Health in Children

Abstract The indoor environment of 80 houses in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria, Australia was assessed during six visits performed bi-monthly over a period of one year. Children between 7 and 14 years of age residing in the houses were included, resulting in 148 study children, 53 of whom were asthmatic. A respiratory health questionnaire was completed and skin prick tests performed. Significant risk factors for asthma were: exposure to a gas stove (OR=3.15, 95% CI 1.28-7.72), and indoor pets (OR = 2.68, 95% CI 1.07-6.70). Exposure to airborne Aspergillus spores (+10 CFU/m³, OR=1.51, 95% CI 1.05-2.18) was a risk factor for atopy, while exposure to a gas stove (OR=2.32, 95% CI 1.04-5.18) was a risk factor for respiratory symptoms. In conclusion, exposure to gas stoves, fungal spores and pets in the home were identified as statistically significant risk factors for respiratory health in children.     

Ambient wood smoke exposure and respiratory symptoms in Tasmania, Australia

Wood smoke exposure has been associated with adverse respiratory health outcomes, with much of the current research focused on wood smoke from domestic heating and cooking. This study examined the association between respiratory symptoms and outdoor wood smoke in Launceston, Tasmania, where ~ 30% of homes use wood burners for domestic heating. This ecological study examined data from participants of the 2004 Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study postal survey and compared the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in Launceston (n = 601) with that in Hobart (n = 1071), a larger Tasmanian city with much less wood smoke. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations of interest while adjusting for gender, atopy, history of allergic disease and current smoking status. There were no significant differences in symptom prevalence between Launceston and Hobart. Two subgroup analyses, which examined participants with pre-existing chronic respiratory disease, and those who reported actively using a wood burner in their home, also did not find significant differences. Any impact of wood smoke on non-specific respiratory symptoms might have been overshadowed by other important determinants of respiratory health, such as vehicle exhaust and tobacco smoking, or were too small to have been detected. However, the lack of detectable differences in symptom prevalence might also reflect the success of regulatory action by local governments to reduce wood smoke emissions in Launceston. The results of other epidemiological studies support an association between ambient wood smoke exposure and adverse respiratory health. Further investigations of wood smoke exposure in Australian settings are needed to investigate the lack of significant associations found in this study, especially studies of indoor air quality and health impacts in children and elderly populations.     

Air pollution and lung cancer risks in China--a meta-analysis

Lung cancer is a serious health problem in China, as in the rest of the world. Many studies have already proved that air pollution as well as other environmental factors can increase the risk of lung cancer. Based on epidemiological studies carried out in China, this paper proposes odds ratios (OR) to evaluate the risk of lung cancer from indoor air pollution for the Chinese population by applying the method of meta-analysis. For domestic coal use for heating and cooking, the pooled OR values are 1.83 (95% CI: 0.62-5.41) and 2.66 (1.39-5.07) for women and both sexes, respectively. For indoor exposure to coal dust, the OR values are 2.52 (95% CI: 1.94-3.28) and 2.42 (1.62-3.63) for women and both sexes, respectively. Cooking oil vapor is another factor increasing lung cancer risk. The OR values are 2.12 (95%CI: 1.81-2.47), 1.78 (1.50-2.12) and 6.20 (2.88-13.32) for nonsmoking women, women, and both sexes, respectively. Regarding environmental tobacco smoke, the pooled OR values are 1.70 (95% CI: 1.32-2.18) and 1.64 (1.29-2.07) for nonsmoking women and both sexes, respectively. Funnel plots with statistical test have been applied to examine the publication bias, and the results implied that the analysis of coal consumption and cooking oil pollution might be affected by publication bias. The meta-analysis results confirm the association between lung cancer and indoor air pollution for the Chinese population.     

Building-related respiratory symptoms can be predicted with semi-quantitative indices of exposure to dampness and mold

Using a semi-quantitative mold exposure index, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) investigated 13 college buildings to examine whether building-related respiratory symptoms among employees are associated with environmental exposure to mold and dampness in buildings. We collected data on upper and lower respiratory symptoms and their building-relatedness, and time spent in specific rooms with a self-administered questionnaires. Trained NIOSH industrial hygienists classified rooms for water stains, visible mold, mold odor, and moisture using semi-quantitative scales and then estimated individual exposure indices weighted by the time spent in specific rooms. The semi-quantitative exposure indices significantly predicted building-related respiratory symptoms, including wheeze [odds ratio (OR) = 2.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1-4.5], chest tightness (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.1-4.6), shortness of breath (OR = 2.7; 95% CI = 1.2-6.1), nasal (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.3-4.7) and sinus (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.2-4.1) symptoms, with exposure-response relationships. We found that conditions suggestive of indoor mold exposure at work were associated with building-related respiratory symptoms. Our findings suggest that observational semi-quantitative indices of exposure to dampness and mold can support action to prevent building-related respiratory diseases. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Current air sampling methods have major limitations in assessing exposure to mold and other biological agents that may prevent the demonstration of associations of bioaerosol exposure with health. Our study demonstrates that semi-quantitative dampness/mold exposure indices, based solely on visual and olfactory observation and weighted by time spent in specific rooms, can predict existence of excessive building-related respiratory symptoms and diseases. Relative extent of water stains, visible mold, mold odor, or moisture can be used to prioritize remediation to reduce potential risk of building-related respiratory diseases. From a public health perspective, these observational findings justify action to correct water leaks and repair water damage in order to prevent building-related respiratory diseases. This approach can also be a basis for developing practical building-diagnostic tools for water-incursion.     

Dust exposure and lung function of workers in the brick and clay pottery factories in the Northeast of Thailand

This study aimed to determine the particulate matter concentrations (PM10) in workplace air and personal dust, and their effects on the respiratory health of exposed workers. The lung function of 449 exposed workers was examined. The concentration of PM10 in workplace air and personal dust exposure was measured. Spirometry was used to evaluate the lung function capacity included forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced expiratory volume ratio (FEV%) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEF). The forced expiratory flow at 25% to 75% of the FVC (FEF 25-75%) was determined. The PM10 concentration in workplace air (6 study sites) and personal dust (4 study sites) exceeded the standard (REL) of 0.12 mg/m3. The results of this study showed a decrease in the mean values and percent predicted value of FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, PEF and FEF 25-75%. The lung capacity of participants revealed that 24.50%, 4.45% and 7.13% had mildly, moderately restrictive and small airway disease. The respiratory symptoms were dyspnoea (22.49%), wheezing (10.69%), chest pain (10.69%) and chronic cough (2.90%). Factors influencing lung capacity included mask usage (Adj.OR: 0.44 CI: 0.25-0.79 p-value: 0.006) and chest pain (Adj.OR: 2.68 CI: 1.14-6.30 p-value: 0.024).     

Prospective longitudinal associations between household smoke exposure in early childhood and antisocial behavior at age 12

Young children exert little control over household tobacco smoke exposure, which is considered a developmental neurotoxicant. Using the Quebec Longitudinal Study birth cohort, we examine prospective associations between early childhood smoke exposure and later antisocial behavior. Parents of 1035 children reported on the presence of household smokers at seven follow‐ups from ages 1.5 to 7.5. At age 12, children self‐reported on five aspects of early antisocial dispositions. After adjusting for confounders, every standard deviation increase in household smoke exposure was prospectively associated with a 19% standard deviation unit increase in conduct problems (β=0.07; 95% confidence interval [CI] from 0.04 to 0.09), a 11% standard deviation unit increase in proactive aggression (β=0.04; 95% CI from 0.01 to 0.07), a 13% standard deviation unit increase in reactive aggression (β=0.07; 95% CI from 0.03 to 0.12), a 14% standard deviation unit increase in school indiscipline (β=0.13; 95% CI from 0.05 to 0.20), and a 10% standard deviation unit increase in dropout risk (β=0.07; 95% CI from 0.01 to 0.12). These long‐term findings warrant fostering parental awareness of developmental risks by policy‐makers/health practitioners. School curricula can equally integrate these ideas into their curriculum.