Measurement of Indoor, Outdoor, and Personal Exposures to Particulate Matter Among Asthmatic Children in Detroit, Michigan

摘要

The prevalence of childhood asthma in Detroit is particularly high, reflecting trends found elsewhere among urban populations. Reasons for this higher prevalence in urban populations are likely to include both socioeconomic and environmental risk factors. In a number of studies, particulate matter (PM), generally limited to measurements in ambient air, has been associated with increases in childhood asthma prevalence and severity. As part of the community-based initiative Community Action Against Asthma (CAAA), outdoor, indoor, and personal exposures to PM are being characterized to assess their impact on childhood asthma. To study the effects of PM exposure and the potential role of PM in the aggravation of childhood asthma, continuous PM2.5 is characterized throughout the study period at two community monitoring sites using a Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM). At the two sites, daily PM2.5 and PM10 filters are also collected for two-weeks each season, over two years. During each seasonal assessment, PM2.5 and PM10 samples are also collected in the homes of 20 asthmatic children. Additionally, personal monitoring for PM10 is conducted for each child. This data provides a basis for assessment of indoor, outdoor, and personal levels of PM exposure; thereby contributing to a better understanding of the role PM may play on the exacerbation of childhood asthma.