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Indoor air quality and the risk of lower respiratory tract infections in young Canadian Inuit children.

Authors :
Kovesi, Thomas
Gilbert, Nicolas L.
Stocco, Corinne
Fugler, Don
Dales, Robert E.
Guay, Mireille
Miller, J. David
Source :
Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ). 7/17/2007, Vol. 177 Issue 2, p155-160. 6p. 4 Charts.
Publication Year :
2007

Abstract

Background: Inuit infants have the highest reported rate of hospital admissions because of lower respiratory tract infections in the world. We evaluated the prevalence of reduced ventilation in houses in Nunavut, Canada, and whether this was associated with an increased risk of these infections among young Inuit children. Methods: We measured ventilation using indoor monitors in 49 homes of Inuit children less than 5 years of age in Qikiqtaaluk (Baffin) Region, Nunavut. We identified the occurrence of lower respiratory trace infections using a standardized questionnaire. Associations between ventilation measures and lower respiratory tract infection were evaluated using multiple logistic regression models. Results: The mean number of occupants per house was 6.1 people. The mean ventilation rate per person was 5.6 L/s (standard deviation [SD] 3.7); 80% (37/46) of the houses had ventilation rates below the recommended rate of 7.5 L/s per person. The mean indoor carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration of 1358 (SD 531) ppm was higher than the recommended target level of 1000 ppm. Smokers were present in 46 homes (94%). Of the 49 children, 27 (55%) had a reported history of lower respiratory tract infection. Reported respiratory infection was significantly associated with mean CO2 levels (odds ratio [OR] 2.85 per 500-ppm increase in mean indoor CO2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23–6.59) and occupancy (OR 1.81 for each additional occupant, 95% CI 1.14-2.86). Interpretation: Reduced ventilation and crowding may contribute to the observed excess of lower respiratory tract infection among young Inuit children. The benefits of measures to reduce indoor smoking and occupancy rates and to increase ventilation should be studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
08203946
Volume :
177
Issue :
2
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ)
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
25627785
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.061574