Home heating and respiratory symptoms among children in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Archives of Environmental Health
Janice E BothwellMichael D Shields

Abstract

In this study, the authors assessed whether home heating with a glass-fronted solid fuel fire (GFF) affected the respiratory health of children in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Questionnaires were mailed to 2,480 households within 4 medical general practice areas of the city. Respiratory symptoms, tobacco exposure, socioeconomic status, and crowding were studied. The authors found statistically significant relationships (p < 0.001) between GFF heating and wheeze, cough, and asthma diagnosis (odds ratios [ORs] = 3.23, 2.91, and 1.83, respectively). After controlling for tobacco exposure, social deprivation, and crowding, GFF heating remained associated with wheeze, cough, and asthma diagnosis (ORs = 2.47, 2.20, and 1.81, respectively). Respiratory symptoms were triggered 6 times more often when GFF heating was turned on, compared with when it was off. A pilot environmental study of 19 homes determined that levels of particulate matter with diameters < or = 10 microm (PM10) were significantly higher when GFF heating was on. Home heating with GFF is associated with respiratory symptoms in children; in fact, PM10 levels may be the causal link.

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Citations

Sep 25, 2008·BMJ : British Medical Journal·Philippa Howden-ChapmanJulian Crane
Nov 30, 2010·Revue des maladies respiratoires·P GodardD Huas
Jun 24, 2008·Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America·Kathleen Belanger, Elizabeth W Triche
Apr 19, 2006·The Medical Journal of Australia·Anne B ChangUNKNOWN Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand

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