PM10 as Predictor of Ventilation Efficiency of Houses in Relation to Health Effect
Abstract: Concerns for the
high concentration of particulates in the ambient air of Jakarta had been
associated with respiratory health effects. Accordingly, the high concentration
of indoor air particulate in homes was also recognized as a potential health
hazard to the household. This paper was based on findings in a cross-sectional
study in homes of a village, Jakarta done for a dissertation of a doctoral
degree in Public Health. In relation to health aspect, ventilation
effectiveness was more predicted by the variation of indoor particulates
concentrations (as PM10) than the physical characteristic of the houses.
Besides, respiratory symptoms rates among children under-five were positively
associated to PM10 concentrations. Except for the house dampness factor, no
physical features of the houses such as sizes of windows, rooms, and the like,
contributed to the variability of health of the occupants. This research
suggested that PM10 concentration was a better indicator for a healthy house
than the physical characteristics of the house. As such, the most sensitive and
specific level of PM10 concentration to predict the development of respiratory
symptoms was 70µg/m3. This cutoff
concentration of PM10 agreed with the
guideline value set on the level of 70 µg/m3 for the thoracic particles by the
World Health Organization.
Keywords: respiratory
symptoms, overcrowding, children under-five, PM10 concentration of 70 µg/m3,
physical factors of houses
Author: Rachmadhi Purwana
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg050144
