Measuring the effect of poor indoor air quality on COPD
High concentrations of fine particulate pollution — the type associated with secondhand smoke and, in developing countries, indoor cooking and heating fires — are linked to poorer health, according to researchers in Scotland.
EurekAlert.com reports that the researchers measured levels of fine, airborne particles — pollutants smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5) — in the homes of 148 Scottish patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Over the course of a week, they took air samples every 5 minutes. Outdoor levels were also sampled.
And, the results.
- Concentrations of particulate pollution in the homes frequently exceeded standards for outdoor air.
- High levels were recorded in the homes of people with COPD, with the highest levels being 4 times the 24-hour maximum recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Environmental tobacco smoke was a significant component of the pollutants.
- Nearly 40% of the subjects were current smokers.
- 17% of non-smokers lived in “smoking environments” where others smoked in their homes.
- Both smokers and non-smokers were negatively affected by increased PM2.5, as measured by significant differences in St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) symptom scores — designed to measure the extent of impaired health in people with asthma or COPD.
- Analysis of the effect of indoor air quality on smokers vs non-smokers revealed that smokers suffered greater adverse effects that nonsmokers.
The bottom line?
The researchers recommend to do more studies — surprise.
I think it makes sense to lower air pollution in the home now. Speak with your healthcare provider. More information from the EPA on residential air cleaning is discussed here.
9/3/07 22:19 JR
