Reduction in Indoor Airborne Endotoxin Concentration by the Use of Air Purifier and Its Relationship with Respiratory Health: A Randomized Crossover Intervention Study

Abstract

Endotoxins are biological components of particulate matter that cause adverse respiratory system effects. Recently, air purifiers have been widely used; however, their effects on endotoxins are not fully understood. We conducted a randomized crossover intervention study to evaluate the effects of air purifiers on indoor endotoxins and occupants’ respiratory health. Thirty-two healthy subjects were randomly assigned to two groups; each group spent four weeks using either a true or sham (filter removed) air purifier. Subsequently, the subjects spent an additional four weeks using the alternative air purifier. The indoor endotoxins in fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10–2.5) particulate matter were continuously collected, and pulmonary function was tested repeatedly during the study period. Household characteristics were assessed using a questionnaire. The geometric mean of the PM2.5 endotoxin concentrations was 0.13 EU/m3, which was significantly lower with true purifiers compared with sham purifiers, after adjusting for household characteristics (0.17 EU/m3). In addition, the PM2.5 endotoxin concentrations were significantly greater in reinforced concrete houses than in wooden houses. The PM10–2.5 endotoxin concentrations were significantly greater in homes with two or more household members, and in those with pets. No association was found between endotoxin concentration and respiratory health among the subjects.

Impact of cotton dust, endotoxin exposure, and other occupational health risk due to indoor pollutants on textile industry workers in low and middle- income countries

“…In 2016, Hinson et al conducted a study in Benin to assess the respiratory health of textile workers. Typically the study included 656 cotton dust-exposed subjects and 113 non-exposed subjects the studies revealed that happen to be exposed to silk cotton dust have bigger respiratory symptoms as compared to those who happen to be not exposed [35,36]. Recently, Asaad et al undertook research involving 7 textile mills in the particular Karachi region associated with Pakistan where these people determined cotton dust exposures by making use of three different dirt measurement equipment and conducted two experimental works for evaluating personal dust and area dust concentrations [37].…”

“…Several nations have already researched the prevalence of work-related asthma among textile workers: Thailand has a 9.1% [34,38], in Croatia, 0.9 % of women and 1.1% of men workers in the textile industry. In a recently available study conducted in Vietnam, 11.9% had suspected symptoms of asthma, 7.4% were diagnosed with asthma, and 5.3% were clinically diagnosed with cotton dustrelated allergic asthma among 1082 textile workers [34,35]. Several epidemiologic research works have examined typically the link between natural cotton dust exposure and lung cancer, yet findings remain inconsistent [43][44][45].…”

“…Endotoxins are Gram-negative bacteria lipopolysaccharides found in textile dust that have detrimental effects on the respiratory system and cause chronic loss of lung function [35]. Airborne endotoxins have been linked to an increased prevalence of asthma as well as a worsening of asthma symptoms.…”

Security Challenges and Air Quality Management in India: Emissions Inventory and Forecasting Estimates

“…Growing armed conflicts and uncertainty adversely affect the economic development of many economies where the tension at the borders remains high, which damages the peaceful and inclusive society agenda [1]. The cost of carbon emissions increases health risk and damages the environmental agenda [2][3][4]. The growing tension of India with its neighboring countries in Asia, including Pakistan and China, is leading to an increase in its arms imports.…”