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Association between volatile organic compound concentrations in daycares and child wheeze: the French CRESPI study

Ioannis A Sakellaris1, Corinne Mandin2, Franziska Bright3

  • 1Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Univ. Paris-Sud, Inserm, Équipe d'Épidémiologie Respiratoire Intégrative, CESP, Villejuif, 94807, France. ioannis.sakellaris@inserm.fr.

Environmental Health : a Global Access Science Source
|May 14, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Exposure to specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in daycares is linked to recurrent wheeze in children. Identifying and controlling these VOCs may lower respiratory risks for children in childcare settings.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Respiratory Health
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Growing concern exists regarding indoor air quality's impact on children's respiratory health.
  • While household volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are studied, their role in daycare settings remains unexplored.
  • This research investigates the link between VOC concentrations in daycares and respiratory issues in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between specific VOC concentrations in daycare facilities and wheezing outcomes in children.
  • To identify potential risk factors for respiratory problems in children related to daycare air quality.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study of 532 children across 100 French daycares (2019-2022).
  • Measurement of 54 VOC/aldehyde concentrations via active sampling, analyzed individually and by factor analysis.
  • Wheezing outcomes assessed by parental questionnaire, with statistical analysis using Generalized Estimating Equations.

Main Results:

  • Higher concentrations of methylisobutylketone and 1-methoxy-2-propylacetate were significantly associated with recurrent wheeze.
  • Potential associations were noted for 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, though not significant after multiple testing corrections.
  • A 'care/cleaning-products' factor was linked to ever wheezing with inhaled corticosteroid use.

Conclusions:

  • Daycare exposure to specific VOCs is associated with wheezing in children.
  • Identifying and mitigating these VOCs in daycares is crucial for reducing children's respiratory health risks.
Abstract

Keywords:
AldehydesChildrenIndoor Air QualityRespiratory healthVOCsWheezing

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