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

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Published: 2023-05-24
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7196/SAJCH.2023.v17i2.1926

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GA Engwa
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa
C Anye
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa
BN Nkeh-Chungag
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, 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 PM2.5 (39.45
(26.38) μg/m3). PM2.5, PM5 and PM10 correlated negatively (p<0.05) with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity
(FVC), FEV25-75, 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.

Article Details

Issue

SAJCH Vol. 17 No. 2

Section

Research
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How to Cite

Relationship of indoor particulate matter and lung function in children from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. (2023). South African Journal of Child Health, 17(2), 63-65. https://doi.org/10.7196/SAJCH.2023.v17i2.1926