Exposure to indoor air pollution by NO2 and BTEX compounds in European children’s homes

Abstract

Introduction Indoor air pollution by nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and BTEX compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, meta-, ortho- and paraxylenes) in European children’s homes may adversely affect child development, especially those related to the respiratory system. We aimed to characterize levels of indoor air pollution in children homes in five European cities and develop predictive models to apply to a wider population of children participating in the European HELIX early life exposome project. Methods NO2 was measured in 150 and BTEX in 140 households in five European birth cohorts: BiB in Bradford (UK), INMA in Sabadell (Spain), KANC in Kaunas (Lithuania), EDEN in Poitiers (France) and Rhea in Heraklion (Greece). Various housing and participant characteristics were collected through face to face interview and exposure models for indoor NO2 and BTEX were built using a stepwise forward multiple linear regression procedure. Results the highest mean NO2 concentrations were found in the INMA cohort (NO2: 24.9 µg/m3) and the lowest in Rhea (11.4). The highest mean BTEX concentrations were found in Kanc (333 µg/m3) and the lowest in Rhea (287). The preliminary predictive model of NO2 explained 56% of the variability of indoor air levels. Significant predictors included country of the cohort, having gas hob and gas oven, smoking inside the house by the mother, use of a vacuum cleaner and number of floors in the building. The predictive model of BTEX explained 31% of variability. Main predictors were having a garage attached to the house, number of ventilation facilities in the household, having any type of boiler, home height and smoking status of the mother. Conclusions Indoor air pollution levels varied across Europe and were associated with a number of home environment characteristics.[...]