High Indoor Air Pollution in Public Housing Homes

RATIONALE: In public housing residents, the rate of respiratory complaints is very high. We have previously reported that 50.9% of subjects have symptoms indicative of rhinitis and 23.4% symptoms indicative of asthma. Although allergic airway disease is considered an important contributor to this problem, indoor air pollution may also play a role. METHODS: We collected air samples over a 72-hour period from 18 old Baltimore public housing homes, all located in a single community. Particulate matter (PM) levels (2.5 and 10 microns diameter: PM2.5, PM10) were determined with impactors designed to collect air particles at a flow rate of 4 Lpm. A passive air sampler monitored nicotine levels. RESULTS: PM2.5 : 44.56±29.0 ug/m3 (mean±SD). PM10: 67.54±46.78 ug/m3. Environmental Protection Agency recommended levels: PM2.5 <12-15 ug/m3; PM10 <50 ug/m3. While these values represent standards for outdoor air, they are also considered acceptable levels for indoor air. Nicotine: 0.631±0.791 (12 homes with smokers). CONCLUSIONS: High concentrations of both PM2.5 and PM10 are found in old public housing homes. These findings allow us to hypothesize that increased indoor PM air pollution may contribute to the high prevalence of upper and lower airway respiratory symptoms in older public housing homes in Baltimore. This hypothesis requires further testing.