Journal of Tropical Diseases & Public Health

Abstract

Indoor air pollutants and respiratory outcomes among minor adult Pakistani population: A cross sectional survey in Pakistan

Unaib Rabbani

Literature on association of cardiac outcomes with objectively measured indoor pollutants is scarce in the developoing world. We aimed to assess the association of selected biomarkers with acute and chronic respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm, bronchitis, wheeze, shortness of breathing (SoB)) and Asthma (spirometry and self-reported) and reversibility. A prospective cross sectional survey was conducted in 2018. Multistage cluster sampling was used for selection of households and participants. Data was collected on 230 adult participants. European questionnaire and audiometry were used for respiratory health data collection. Indoor air pollutants were measured using real time data collectors. Higher level of formaldehyde was found to be associated with acute and chronic cough and phlegm. Higher CO 2 was found to be associated with increased risk of acute and chronic cough, sputum and phlegm and acute rhonchi. Lead was associated with lower risk of cough, phlegm and asthma and higher risk of difficult breathing. None of the measured pollutant was found to be associated with spirometry based asthma and COPD. Indoor air pollutants such as acetaldehyde, CO and PM were associated with respiratory symptoms, however further studies are required to establish strong association of these expoure with intended outcomes. Also methodological improment in detection of such early biomarkers are needed to to detect exposure at early stages and develop preventive strateiges.

Published Date: 2020-08-31;