Indoor air quality in remote first nations communities in Ontario, Canada
Gary Mallach1, Liu Sunny Sun1, Michael McKay2
1Water and Air Quality Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada.
Insights
Poor housing conditions in remote First Nations communities are linked to higher respiratory illness risks in children. Overcrowding, smoking, and lack of ventilation contribute to poor indoor air quality and mold.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Indigenous Health
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Indigenous children in remote northwestern Ontario experience high rates of hospitalization for respiratory infections (21% before age 2).
- Housing conditions are a critical determinant of health, particularly in remote Indigenous communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a detailed analysis of housing conditions in four First Nations communities.
- To assess correlations between housing quality, biocontaminant levels, and indoor air pollutants.
Main Methods:
- Statistical analysis including linear regression, mixed models, and logistic regression.
- Assessment of 101 homes for crowding, smoking, heating methods, mold, and functioning Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs).
- Measurement of indoor air quality parameters: PM2.5, CO2, benzene, formaldehyde, dust mite allergens, fungal glucan, and endotoxin.
Main Results:
- Homes were crowded (avg. 7 people/home), with 27% having sustained CO2 > 1500 ppm.
- Commercial tobacco smoking and non-electric heating correlated with increased fine particle (PM2.5) concentrations.
- Over 90% of homes lacked working HRVs, associated with higher PM2.5 and CO2.
- 12% of homes had mold damage from leaks or condensation, increasing respiratory disease risk; endotoxin levels were exceptionally high.
Conclusions:
- Poor housing conditions, including overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, and mold, significantly contribute to poor indoor air quality.
- Urgent interventions are needed for housing repair and proper installation/maintenance of HRVs to mitigate health risks for Indigenous children.
Abstract:
A recent study of the health of Indigenous children in four First Nations Communities in remote northwestern Ontario found that 21% of children had been admitted to hospital for respiratory infections before age 2 years. Here we report a detailed analysis of the housing conditions in these communities. We employed a variety of statistical methods, including linear regression, mixed models, and logistic regression, to assess the correlations between housing conditions and loadings of biocontaminants (dust mite allergens, fungal glucan, and endotoxin) and indoor concentrations of PM2.5, CO2, benzene, and formaldehyde. The houses (n = 101) were crowded with an average of approximately 7 people. Approximately 27% of the homes had sustained CO2 concentrations above 1500 ppm. Most homes had more than one smoker. Commercial tobacco smoking and the use of non-electric heating (e.g., wood, oil) were associated with increased fine particle concentrations. Over 90% of the homes lacked working Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs), which was associated with increased fine particle concentrations and higher CO2. Of the 101 homes, 12 had mold damage sufficient to increase the relative risk of respiratory disease. This resulted from roof leaks, through walls or around the windows due to construction defects or lack of maintenance. A similar percentage had mold resulting from condensation on windows. Endotoxin loadings were much higher than any previous study in Canada. This work provides evidence for the need for more effort to repair existing houses and to ensure the HRVs are properly installed and maintained.
