Indoor Nitrogen Dioxide Levels and Asthma Symptoms in Inner-City Children
Author Information
Author(s): Hansel Nadia N., Breysse Patrick N., McCormack Meredith C., Matsui Elizabeth C., Curtin-Brosnan Jean, Williams D’Ann L., Moore Jennifer L., Cuhran Jennifer L., Diette Gregory B.
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Hypothesis
What is the effect of indoor nitrogen dioxide concentrations on asthma morbidity in inner-city preschool children?
Conclusion
Higher indoor nitrogen dioxide concentrations were associated with increased asthma symptoms in preschool inner-city children.
Supporting Evidence
- Each 20-ppb increase in NO2 exposure was associated with a significant increase in the number of days with limited speech, cough, and nocturnal symptoms.
- Children spent most of their time indoors, making them particularly vulnerable to indoor air pollutants.
- Indoor NO2 concentrations were significantly higher in homes with gas stoves and heaters.
Takeaway
This study found that kids with asthma living in the city had more breathing problems when there were higher levels of a gas called nitrogen dioxide in their homes.
Methodology
The study recruited 150 preschool children with asthma and monitored indoor air quality over a 72-hour period while assessing asthma symptoms through caregiver questionnaires.
Potential Biases
Potential residual confounding from traffic-related exposure may lead to misclassification of individual ambient NO2 exposure.
Limitations
The study did not include personal monitoring of exposure and relied on caregiver reports for asthma symptoms.
Participant Demographics
Participants were predominantly African American preschool children aged 2-6 years, with 58% male and 42% from households with annual income less than $25,000.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 1.05–1.25
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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