Post-birth exposure contrasts for children during the Household Air Pollution Intervention Network randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Exposure to household air pollution is a leading cause of ill-health globally. The Household Air Pollution Intervention Network (HAPIN) randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of a free liquefied petroleum gas stove and fuel intervention on birth outcomes and maternal and child health. As part of HAPIN, extensive exposure assessment was conducted. Here, we report on PM2.5 and CO exposures of young children (<= 15 months old) reconstructed using a Bluetooth-beacon based time-activity monitoring system coupled with microenvironmental pollutant monitors. Median (IQR) exposures to PM2.5 were 65.1 ( 33 - 128.2) ug/m3 in the control group and 22.9 (17.2 - 35.3) ug/m3 in the intervention group; for CO, median (IQR) exposures were 1.1 (0.3 - 2.9) ppm and 0.2 (0 - 0.7) ppm for control and intervention group, respectively. Exposure reductions were stable over time and consistent with previous findings for the children's mothers. In the intervention group, 75% of children's reconstructed exposures were below the WHO interim target guideline value of 35 ug/m3, while 26% were below the standard in the control group. Our findings suggest that an LPG fuel and stove intervention can substantially reduce children's exposure to household air pollution.