The association between formaldehyde, PM2.5, physical environmental and total IgE serum with asthmatic symptoms in 13–14 years olds

Abstract

Indoor air quality has a strong influence on human respiratory health because humans remain indoors for 90% of the time. Formaldehyde, PM_2.5 has been examined to increase serum IgE in the body and is associated with asthma in children. This study aimed to examine the association between formaldehyde, PM_2.5, physical environmental and total IgE serum with asthmatic symptoms in 13–14 years olds. This research study encompassed households comprised of individuals aged between 13 and 14 years within the population who fulfill the inclusive criteria. The data was obtained through a cross-sectional study involving 71 children aged 13–14 years old dealing with asthma symptoms. The study was conducted following the International Childhood Asthma and Allergy Research (ISAAC) guidelines. The measurement of formaldehyde and PM_2.5 concentrations was done using AiRBOXSense Low-Cost Air Quality Sensors (LAQSs). The statistical analysis included Chi-square, Fisher’s exact and logistic regression tests. The results revealed that the indoor air quality (formaldehyde in bedroom (OR = 0.0149; CI: 0.031–0.731), PM_2.5 in the living room (OR = 0.73; CI: 0.011–0.510), humidity in the bedroom (OR = 7.018; CI: 1.504–32.746), individual characteristics (family history of illness (OR = 0.072; CI: 0.010–0.540), household environment (mosquito repellent (OR = 11.089; CI: 1.897–64.825), use of wooden furniture (OR = 0.025; CI: 0.001–0.840), air fragrance (OR = 0.108; CI: 0.013–0.088) and the IgE Test (OR = 38.106; CI: 2.191–662.770) were associated with asthma symptoms respectively. This study indicates that the continuous monitoring of indoor air quality is an effective strategy for preventing asthma symptoms in children.