A Randomised Controlled Trial Investigating The Respiratory Effects Of Nitrogen Dioxide In Schoolchildren
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$212,189.00
Summary
Research has shown that exposures to air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide, ozone and respirable particulate matter less than 10 microns are associated with respiratory symptoms. Unlike the other air pollutants nitrogen dioxide is an indoor gas which occurs in higher concentrations than outdoors in households which cook or heat with gas. Recent research has demonstrated that NO2 at concentrations easily achieved indoors can increase respiratory illness, particularly in c ....Research has shown that exposures to air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide, ozone and respirable particulate matter less than 10 microns are associated with respiratory symptoms. Unlike the other air pollutants nitrogen dioxide is an indoor gas which occurs in higher concentrations than outdoors in households which cook or heat with gas. Recent research has demonstrated that NO2 at concentrations easily achieved indoors can increase respiratory illness, particularly in children and asthmatics. In South Australia we have the opportunity to demonstrate health effects of NO2 on children with asthma more conclusively, as a high number of schools heat their classrooms with unflued gas heaters which produce high NO2. In the proposed study, half of the primary schools with unflued gas heaters will have these heaters replaced with heaters which do not emit NO2. This process of selecting schools will be performed at random and in the school holidays, so as not to bias the children in regard to their exposure status. Additionally, only asthmatic children without gas appliances at home will be included. Asthma symptoms and lung function measurements will be collected in order to determine any differences in the health outcomes of both groups. The results of this study will be able to give conclusive information on health effects related to NO2, that will substantially contribute to the development of a recommended NO2 guideline. This is of worldwide interest.Read moreRead less
Reducing Indoor Air Pollution In The Home: A Randomised Controlled Trial Of A Behavioural Intervention.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$85,552.00
Summary
Exposure to air pollution is not confined to pollution emitted outdoors by motor vehicles and industry. We are exposed to a diverse and complex mix of indoor pollutants produced in many cases by everyday activities. Since we spend about 70-90% of our time indoors, the potential effect of these pollutants on our health is important and of concern. There is a growing number of scientific studies that confirm the importance of indoor air pollution to our health. Two indoor pollutants commonly found ....Exposure to air pollution is not confined to pollution emitted outdoors by motor vehicles and industry. We are exposed to a diverse and complex mix of indoor pollutants produced in many cases by everyday activities. Since we spend about 70-90% of our time indoors, the potential effect of these pollutants on our health is important and of concern. There is a growing number of scientific studies that confirm the importance of indoor air pollution to our health. Two indoor pollutants commonly found in the home are nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emitted from gas appliances and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). ETS, or passive smoking, is known to increase lower respiratory tract illness in children, asthma, lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that NO2 may increase respiratory symptoms and exacerbate the response of asthmatics to allergens such as house dust mites. In this project we extend our earlier work on indoor air pollution, with the aim of evaluating simple and effective ways to improve air quality in the home. Parents of school children from the Newcastle area will be invited to participate in the study. Parents will receive information about the health risks of indoor air pollution and advice on how to decrease the levels in their home. We will monitor the air quality in each participant's home to see whether the education program has helped parents to decrease the levels of NO2 and ETS in their home. We will also examine whether a reduction in these pollutants has improved the lung health of the children in the study.Read moreRead less