Relationship Between Indoor Air Pollutant Levels and Residential Environment in Children With Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

PurposeThis study was aimed to investigate the relationship between indoor air pollutant levels and residential environment in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) living in Seoul.MethodsA total of 150 children with AD were included. Residential environment was assessed by questionnaires which were completed by their parents. To evaluate the level of exposure to the indoor air pollutants, concentrations of the indoor air pollutants including particulate matter with diameter less than 10 µm (PM10), formaldehyde, carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Total Volatile Organic Compound (TVOC), benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene, xylene, styrene, bacterial aerosols, and airborne fungi were measured.ResultsA significant difference was exhibited in the levels of PM10 in case of visible fungus on the walls (P=0.047). There was relationship between the construction year of the house, moving to a newly constructed building within 1 year and formaldehyde level. With the use of artificial air freshener, the differences were found in the concentrations of TVOC (P=0.003), benzene (P=0.015), toluene (P=0.012) and ethyl-benzene (P=0.027). The concentration of xylene was significantly high when oil was used as heating fuel (P=0.015). Styrene exhibited differences depending on building type and its concentrations were significantly high in a residential and commercial complex building (P=0.005). The indoor concentration of bacterial aerosols was significantly low with the use of air cleaner (P=0.045). High NO2, benzene concentrations were present in case of almost no ventilation (P=0.028 and P=0.028, respectively).ConclusionsIndividual residential environments are closely related with the levels of the indoor air pollutants. To alleviate AD symptoms, simple questions about residential environments such as visible fungus on the walls and the use of artificial air freshener are helpful to assess the possibility of increased indoor air pollutant levels when direct measurement is not available.

Effects of Indoor Air Pollutants on Atopic Dermatitis

“…These high concentrations were similar to the results shown in a previous study that measured the indoor air quality in an unoccupied newly built building [22]. The reason that high levels of TVOCs were measured in our study is due to the use of artificial air fresheners or air cleansing, air ventilation, location, and floor level of the apartment, and the surrounding region/area [21,22]. High concentrations of VOCs or formaldehyde are associated with the onset of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) or the aggravation of allergic diseases in newly built buildings [4,23,24].…”

“…A previous study reported that the concentration of VOCs in the indoor air of houses of patients with AD and allergic asthma was approximately 1.4–2.0 fold higher than in the houses of the same age group without atopy [7]. In our study, the concentrations of TVOCs were found to be higher than values in previous studies on eco-friendly materials or in the houses of patients with AD [19,20,21]. These high concentrations were similar to the results shown in a previous study that measured the indoor air quality in an unoccupied newly built building [22].…”

Prevalence and clinical features of adult atopic dermatitis in tertiary hospitals of China

“…Although the occurrence of AD is associated with genetic factors, [10,11] recent increase in incidence rate is more likely attributed to environmental factors, [12–14] such as pollution and aeroallergens (e.g., pet hair, house dust mite, and pollen). [15] In addition, changing lifestyles, such as frequent bathing, regular use of soap, and living in concrete jungles with air conditioning that dehumidifies the air, may accelerate stratum corneum (SC) barrier impairment. [16] …”

Evaluation of Purification Effect of Intelligent Air Purifier in the Pathology Department

“…Indoor air pollution concentration measurement include physical particle diameter less than 10 µm (PM 10), formaldehyde and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, xylene, styrene, bacteria and fungi of aerosol [6].…”