People spend up to 90% of their life indoor, and the way we live and behave in our homes has substantial effects on our health and well-being. Particle contamination is suggested to have substantial negative effects on health, with candles and cooking emitting the largest amount of particles, thus being the largest contributors to indoor air pollution. The overall aim of the present project is to contribute to increased understanding of the association between indoor particulate air pollution and health and well-being.
Introduction: People spend up to 90% of their life indoor, and the way we live and behave in our homes has substantial effects on our health and well-being. Particle contamination is suggested to have substantial negative effects on health, with candles and cooking emitting the largest amount of particles, thus being the largest contributors to indoor air pollution. Little is known about the potential adverse health effects of candles and cooking, and people with asthma may be more susceptible. Aim: To investigate local and systemic effects of short-term exposure to lit candles and cooking among young asthmatics. Design: In a randomised double-blinded cross-over study non-smoking asthmatics (18-25 years) were exposed for five hours at three different exposure conditions separated by 14 days; A) clean filtered air, B) lit candles and C) cooking emissions under controlled environmental conditions. Measurements: TSI P-TRAK Ultrafine Particle Counter was used for particle counts. Health effects, including lung function (FEV1/FVC) and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were evaluated in relation to local and systemic effects prior to, right after and 24 h. after exposure. Analysis: Mixed methods approach taking both time and exposure into account.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
36
Generating fine and ultrafine particles from lit candles
Generating fine and ultrafine particles from frying pork in an oven
Nothing but clean air
Climate Chambers, Dept. Public Health, Aarhus University
Aarhus, Central Region Denmark, Denmark
Change in Particles in Exhaled Air (Surfactant Protein A & Albumin)
PExA: Subjects performed repeated breath maneuvers allowing for airway closure and re-opening, and exhaled particles were optically counted and collected on a membrane using the (novel) PExA® instrument set-up.
Time frame: Time Frame: At baseline (0 hour), after exposure (5 hours), and the day after exposure (24 hours)
Change in Lung Function (FEV1 & FVC)
Spirometry
Time frame: At baseline (0 hour), after exposure (5 hours), and the day after exposure (24 hours)
Change in Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO)
NIOX VERO system; Aerocrine AB, Sweden
Time frame: At baseline (0 hour), after exposure (5 hours), and the day after exposure (24 hours)
Change in Blood samples
Cytokines (IL-8), DNA-damages
Time frame: At baseline (0 hour), after exposure (5 hours), and the day after exposure (24 hours)
Change in nasal volume (using Acoustic rhinometry)
Is used to assess the nasal cross sectional area and volume. The left and right nasal cavity were studied alternatively until three reproducible measurements were obtained. The minimum cross sectional cavity area was calculated from the means of the measurements. By integration of the area-distance curve, the sum of the volume 2 to 4 (vol2-4) from the nostril was determined on both sides.
Time frame: At baseline (0 hour), after exposure (5 hours), and the day after exposure (24 hours)
Change in biomarkers in Saliva Sample
An oral svap from Salivette was placed in the mouth of the participant to collect saliva by gently chewing the swab for one minute. Afterwards the saturated swab was removed to the suspended insert and closed firmly with a lid. Then the sample was transferred to a freezer and stored for -80 C until further analysis. The sample will be analyzed for biomarkers (amylase, cortisol, substance P, lysozyme and secretory IgA.)
Time frame: At baseline (0 hour), after exposure (5 hours), and the day after exposure (24 hours)
Change in Subjective Symptoms
In the exposure chamber participants were asked to fill out a symptom questionnaire every 30 minute regarding their well-being and experienced symptoms in eyes, nose and throat. The participants were asked to score their evaluation (rate the strength) of symptoms by placing a cross on a 130 mm open Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The intensity of any discomfort was registered as the length in mm from the left of the scale to the marker. The scores were rated from 0 to 100% with highest number corresponding to highest discomfort. Health effects were evaluated in relation to rated changes in symptoms.
Time frame: Every 30 minute during 5 hours of exposure
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.