Household Air Pollution and Child Lung Function: The Ghana Randomized Air Pollution and Health Study
Prince Darko Agyapong1, Darby Jack2, Seyram Kaali1
1Kintampo Health Research Centre, Research and Development, Division Ghana Health Service, Bono East Region Kintampo North, Ghana.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|November 28, 2023
Summary
Household air pollution (HAP) from improved biomass stoves negatively impacted child lung function, while liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stoves showed some benefits. Prenatal exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) was linked to poorer lung health in children.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The effects of household air pollution (HAP) stove interventions on children's lung function are not well understood.
- Assessing the impact of HAP exposure during critical developmental windows is crucial for child respiratory health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a HAP stove intervention from prenatal exposure to age 1 on child lung function at age 4.
- To examine exposure-response associations between HAP and child lung function.
Main Methods:
- The Ghana Randomized Air Pollution and Health Study randomized pregnant women to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), improved biomass, or open-fire (control) stove conditions.
- Maternal and child personal carbon monoxide (CO) exposure was measured to quantify HAP.
- Child lung function was assessed at age 4 using oscillometry, an effort-independent method.
Main Results:
- Improved biomass stoves were associated with worse lung function (lower reactance, higher large airway resistance) compared to control.
- Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stoves showed some benefits, including higher reactance and lower small airway resistance.
- Higher prenatal CO exposure was linked to increased airway resistance, with specific sensitive exposure windows identified.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal exposure to HAP significantly impacts child lung function development.
- Stove interventions have differential effects on lung health, highlighting the benefits of cleaner fuel sources like LPG.
- Reducing HAP exposure, particularly during pregnancy, is vital for promoting healthy lung development in children.
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