Indoor air pollution associated with population health status

Abstract

Objectives. The estimation of correlative connections between the harmful factors present on the premises, where meals are cooked and certain diseases of the respiratory system are conditioned by indoor air quality. Material and methods. Three areas of the Republic of Moldova have been selected for research (North, Center, and South). 150 resident persons from the selected areas participated in the study, and they were invited to answer a series of questions. The air temperature, relative air humidity, and carbon dioxide were measured on the premises in which meals were cooked. Results. The air pollution in kitchens correlates more essentially when using the bottled gas as fuel (0.18 ≤ r ≤ 0.44, p < 0.001) and has an influence of 37.5-41.5% as compared to natural gas. In case of cooking meals in the dwelling room using bottled gas, an average correlation was established with bronchitis (r = 0.48, p < 0.01), pneumonia (r = 0.56, p < 0.001), obstructive bronchitis (r = 0.54, p < 0.01) and very strongly with bronchial asthma (r = 0.84, p < 0.01). In case of cooking meals in summer kitchens, the average correlation was recorded between the use of peasant stoves and the installation of bronchitis, pneumonia, obstructive bronchitis and a especially bronchial asthma. Conclusion. The need is imposed to develop certain mechanisms of supervision of the indoor air quality. People responsible for the construction, furnishing and equipping the kitchens should fulfill certain rules that would not only relate to the architectural aesthetics, comfort or benefits implied, but also to the health of the people who will work on such premises with special destination.