Household air pollution linked to asthma, allergic rhinitis in children

Issue: December 2014

Household air pollution was twice as great in homes of children with asthma and allergies compared with symptomless peers, according to data presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting.

Researchers assessed differences in household air quality between 70 houses of children with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis and 70 houses of children without asthma and/or allergic rhinitis in a rural setting in India. Caregivers completed questionnaires, and potential pollutant sources were determined. Researchers used the University of California, Berkley Particle and Temperature Sensor to measure particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5).

Overall, 108 children had asthma and/or allergic rhinitis.

Households of affected children had pollutant levels that were twice as high as levels among households of unaffected children, according to researchers.

Additionally, average PM 2.5 levels were significantly higher in households of children with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis compared with unaffected children (P=.011).

Similarly, there were higher levels of volatile organic compounds in households of affected children compared with unaffected children (2.222 ppm vs. 1.161 ppm; P=.128).

Homes of children with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis had higher levels of secondhand smoke, kerosene and biomass fuel use, according to researchers.

“Household air pollution from smoking, kerosene and biomass fuel combustion results in increased levels of PM 2.5 and volatile organic compounds in household air, which may be responsible for increased levels of asthma and/or allergic rhinitis in children,” the researchers wrote.

For more information:

Kumar R. Abstract 52. Presented at: American College of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting; Nov. 6-10, 2014; Atlanta.

Disclosure: Infectious Diseases in Children was unable to determine financial disclosures at the time of publication.