Indoor air purification has been shown to significantly improve respiratory health in school-aged children, according to a recent study led by Fudan University and the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention in China.
Respiratory diseases are a major concern for children, with exposure to fine particulate matter (FPM) known to increase the risk. While the negative impact of particulate matter on respiratory health is well-documented, the potential benefits of air purification have not been fully explored.
In the study titled “Respiratory Benefits of Multisetting Air Purification in Children: A Cluster Randomized Crossover Trial,” published in JAMA Pediatrics, researchers worked with 79 healthy children in China aged 10 to 12 years. The intervention involved using air purification systems in both 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, indicating unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups. During active air purification periods, personal exposure to FPM decreased by 45.14% compared to sham purification periods.
The results showed that air purification led to significant improvements in pulmonary function, including an 8.04% increase in forced expiratory volume in one second, a 16.52% rise in peak expiratory flow, and a 5.73% improvement in forced vital capacity. Additionally, fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels in exhaled breath decreased by 22.38% in the group using air purification.
The study identified several metabolites, such as L-tyrosine and β-alanine, as mediators of the respiratory benefits associated with air purification. These findings highlight the importance of implementing indoor air purification measures in areas with high air pollution levels to protect children’s respiratory health.
In conclusion, the study emphasizes the need for increased attention to indoor air quality in regions with high levels of air pollution. By taking steps to improve indoor air quality, especially in schools and homes, we can help safeguard the respiratory health of children and reduce their exposure to harmful pollutants.
For more information, you can access the full study titled “Respiratory Benefits of Multisetting Air Purification in Children” in JAMA Pediatrics.
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