en |
Influence of indoor formaldehyde pollution on respiratory system health in the urban area of Shenyang, China
Zhai, L; Zhao, J; Xu, B; Deng, Y & Xu, Z
Abstract
Background: The decoration of interior spaces can lead to dangerous levels of indoor formaldehyde pollution. Exposure
to indoor air pollution may be responsible for nearly 2 million deaths per year in developing countries.
Objective:To assess the prevalence of indoor formaldehyde pollution caused by decoration and resultant respiratory
system symptoms exhibited in exposed adults and children, due to indoor formaldehyde pollution caused by decoration.
Methods:Survey sites were chosen and indoor formaldehyde concentrations determined according to the standard of
formaldehyde in GB50325-2001. Logistic regression models were used to derive odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence
intervals (95% CIs) after adjusting for potential confounders for this survey.
Results:Formaldehyde concentration was above the standard in 64% of Shenyang City. Some adults surveyed complained
of common respiratory system disorders, including coughing (11.8%), nasal irritation (39.2%), Heterosmia (14.51%), and
throat irritation (25.27%); 12% of children suffered from asthma. The analysis identified formaldehyde pollution and
ventilation frequency as risk factors for respiratory system disorders in both adults (OR=2.603, [95% CI: 1.770-3.828],
OR=1.604, [95% CI: 1.146-2.244], respectively) and children (OR=4.250, [2.064-8.753], OR=1.831, [1.006-3.333], respectively).
Conclusion:The prevalence of common respiratory system disorders was related both to formaldehyde pollution and
insufficient ventilation after decorating.
Keywords
Formaldehyde; respiratory system; adult; children
|