Impact of indoor air quality on respiratory health: results of a local survey on housing environment

doi:10.1016/j.puhe.2018.06.015

Public Health

Volume 163, October 2018, Pages 76-79

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2018.06.015 Get rights and content

Highlights

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Molds, pets, and environmental tobacco smoke were associated with respiratory health.
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Indoor air quality is an important determinant of respiratory health.
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Local survey is an interesting tool to sensitize authorities to health priorities.

Abstract

Objectives

The ‘Mon habitat: plus qu'un simple toit’ (MHPQST) survey was designed to identify public health risks and priorities for local decision makers in relation to housing. The aims of the present study were to describe the exposure of households to indoor air contaminants and to verify the relationship between these contaminants and respiratory symptoms/diseases.

Study design

This is a cross-sectional study.

Methods

MHPQST was conducted in Baie-Saint-Paul, a French Canadian municipality (7000 inhabitants) using a protocol adapted from the ‘Large Analysis and Review of European Housing and Health Status’ study performed in Europe in 2002–2003. Households were selected from two sectors (less favorable and more favorable). Data collection was achieved using three tools (two questionnaires and one inspection grid). Indoor air variables were analyzed in relation to respiratory symptoms/diseases using logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, income, smoking status, and proximity.

Results

A total of 161 dwellings (294 inhabitants) participated in the survey. Presence of mold on walls, ceilings, or floors was detected by the investigators in 21% of the dwellings. Nearly half of the households were in contact with a pet at home and 12% with environmental tobacco smoke. Exposure to these three determinants was significantly associated with certain respiratory symptoms/diseases.

Conclusion

Molds, pets at home, and environmental tobacco smoke are environmental determinants that were associated with respiratory health in the present survey. These results enabled sensitizing local stakeholders regarding the importance of indoor air quality for the respiratory health of their population.

Section snippets

Acknowledgments

MHPQST was financially supported by the Institut National de santé publique du Québec. The authors would like to thank all of their colleagues who worked to the conducting of the survey, from the writing of the protocol up to the final report. Finally, sincere thanks to the population of Baie-Saint-Paul including the City Council and in particular, the survey participants.

Ethical approval

The survey protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Institut national de santé publique du Québec. All participants

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There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

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Short CommunicationImpact of indoor air quality on respiratory health: results of a local survey on housing environment

Highlights

Abstract

Objectives

Study design

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Section snippets

Acknowledgments

Ethical approval

The Surgeon General's call to action to promote healthy homes

Housing and public health

Annu Rev Public health

A pan-European housing and health survey: description and evaluation of methods and approaches

Int J Environ Pollut

Housing and health: new opportunities for dialogue and action. [Internet]

Short Communication
Impact of indoor air quality on respiratory health: results of a local survey on housing environment