Abstract for presentation at 14th IUAPPA World Congress

Particulate Matter in Homes of Young Children: Comparison with Central Monitoring Sites

  • Jane Jones, University of Western Australia, Australia
  • Dr Stephen Stick, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Australia
  • Dr Peter Dingle, Murdoch University, Australia
  • Dr Peter Franklin, University of Western Australia, Australia

    • Aim: Particulate air pollution (PM) has been associated with adverse health outcomes in both children and adults. Most studies have used PM concentrations measured at central monitoring stations in and around urban centres. However, children, particularly very young children, spend most of their time indoors at home. The aim of this study was to measure PM in the homes of young children in Perth and compare these with concentrations measured on the same day at the closest monitoring station to each home.
    Methods: Particulate matter (PM), both particles with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 um (PM10) and less than 2.5 um (PM2.5), was measured in the homes of 87 young children (0-2years) for one 24 hour period only, using a multi-stage virtual impactor (RespiconTM Model 8522, TSI, St. Paul, MN). All were non-smoking households. PM and meteorological data was also collected from the nearest outdoor monitoring station for each home. Information about the home was collected by questionnaire.
    Results: There was no relationship between indoor and ambient PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations. Correlation co-efficients were 0.09 (p = 0.48) for indoor/outdoor PM10 and 0.03 (p = 0.82) for PM2.5. There was no seasonal effect on indoor PM concentrations and the only housing factor associated with increased PM in homes was the presence of a pet.
    Conclusion: PM measured from central monitoring stations does not reflect concentrations in homes and is, therefore, likely to be a poor predictor of potential exposure of young children.

    Conference Organiser - ICMS Pty Ltd