Indoor exposure to chemical and biological agents and health efects in primary school children

The aim of this study has been to estimate effects of indoor air pollutants on children’s health. An anamnestic retrospective study was done on 1074 children aged between 7 and 11 years old who lived in Nis (Serbia). An original questionnaire was used in an interview between training physicians and children’s parents. Interview data were processed by using Microsoft Excel and Epiinfo 6. The investigation determined that children who were more often exposed to combustion by-products had respiratory and nonspecific symptoms. Parental smoking was strongly associated with wheezing, bronchitis, headache and fatigue. There was no association between health and keeping pets, apart from partial nasal congestion. Presence of insects (e.g., cockroaches) and rats in households was a significant risk factor for all symptoms and diseases estimated except for asthma and pneumonia. Homes abundant in textiles were the cause of nasal congestion, wheezing and fatigue in children. Old mattresses were associated with respiratory symptoms, bronchitis, and nonspecific symptoms. It has been concluded that indoor air quality plays a major role in children’s health. Sources of indoor air pollution are present in every home. Being aware of the risks associated with indoor air quality problems, consequently, leads to their mitigation.