Relationship of indoor particulate matter and lung function in children from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

Abstract

Background. There is a dearth of information on the relationship between indoor air pollution and lung function, especially among sub‑Saharan African children.

Objective. To assess the relationship between indoor particulate matter (PM) and lung function in children living in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa (SA).

Methods. This cross-sectional study included 540 children aged 10 - 14 years and was conducted between May and September 2016. PM from 23 classrooms was measured with a handheld particle counter and lung function was assessed with a handheld spirometer.

Results. Mean (standard deviation) PM₅ levels were higher (109.96 (75.39) μg/m³) than PM₁₀ (84.84 (63.28) μg/m³) and PM_2.5 (39.45 (26.38) μg/m³). PM_2.5, PM₅ and PM₁₀ correlated negatively (p<0.05) with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV_25-75, as well as peak expiratory flow (PEF) but correlated positively (p<0.001) with the FEV₁/FVC ratio.

Conclusion. PM in classrooms showed a negative relationship with lung function in the study population.