Indoor Air Purification Improves Respiratory Health in Children
A recent study conducted by Fudan University and the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention in China has found that indoor air purification can significantly enhance respiratory health in school-aged children. Respiratory diseases are a major cause of mortality in children, with exposure to fine particulate matter (FPM) known to increase risks. While the detrimental effects of particulate matter on respiratory health are well-documented, the benefits of air purification for children have not been extensively researched.
The study, titled “Respiratory Benefits of Multisetting Air Purification in Children: A Cluster Randomized Crossover Trial,” was published in JAMA Pediatrics. The research involved 79 healthy children aged 10 to 12 years in China. The intervention included multi-setting air purification in classrooms and bedrooms, with each intervention lasting over two months and separated by a washout period.
The outdoor levels of FPM at the school averaged 32.53 μg/m3, approaching levels considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Personal exposure to FPM decreased by 45.14% during periods with active air purification compared to sham purification periods. The results showed significant improvements in pulmonary function, airway inflammation markers, and metabolites in exhaled breath condensate.
Forced expiratory volume in one second increased by 8.04%, peak expiratory flow by 16.52%, and forced vital capacity by 5.73% with air purification. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels decreased by 22.38%, and certain metabolites like L-tyrosine and β-alanine were identified as mediators of the respiratory benefits.
These findings underscore the importance of enhanced indoor air purification in regions with high air pollution levels to protect children’s respiratory health. The study suggests that until measures are taken to improve outdoor air quality, indoor air purification can play a crucial role in safeguarding children’s respiratory well-being.
For more information, the study “Respiratory Benefits of Multisetting Air Purification in Children” can be found in JAMA Pediatrics. This research highlights the potential of indoor air purification as a proactive measure to combat the adverse effects of air pollution on children’s respiratory health.
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