Quantitative assessments of indoor air pollution and the risk of childhood acute leukemia in Shanghai

Environ Pollut. 2014 Apr:187:81-9. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.12.029. Epub 2014 Jan 22.

Abstract

We investigated the association between indoor air pollutants and childhood acute leukemia (AL). A total of 105 newly diagnosed cases and 105 1:1 gender-, age-, and hospital-matched controls were included. Measurements of indoor pollutants (including nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and 17 types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)) were taken with diffusive samplers for 64 pairs of cases and controls. Higher concentrations of NO2 and almost half of VOCs were observed in the cases than in the controls and were associated with the increased risk of childhood AL. The use of synthetic materials for wall decoration and furniture in bedroom was related to the risk of childhood AL. Renovating the house in the last 5 years, changing furniture in the last 5 years, closing the doors and windows overnight in the winter and/or summer, paternal smoking history and outdoor pollutants affected VOC concentrations. Our results support the association between childhood AL and indoor air pollution.

Keywords: Acute leukemia; Child; Indoor air; Volatile organic compounds.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease / epidemiology
  • Air Pollutants / analysis*
  • Air Pollution, Indoor / analysis*
  • Air Pollution, Indoor / statistics & numerical data
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • China / epidemiology
  • Environmental Exposure / analysis*
  • Environmental Exposure / statistics & numerical data
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukemia / epidemiology*
  • Male
  • Nitrogen Dioxide / analysis
  • Seasons
  • Volatile Organic Compounds / analysis

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Volatile Organic Compounds
  • Nitrogen Dioxide