Indoor air pollution in kindergartens is a stronger predictor of preschool wheezing than household pets and passive smoking
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22077814 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Vaida Taminskiene (0000-0001-5165-749X, Vilnius University, corresponding author), Nina Prokopčiuk (0000-0002-7387-9074, Vilnius University), Mindaugas Butikis (0000-0002-2539-8671, Vilnius University), Lukas Vaidelys (Vilnius University), Karolina Sceliokiene (Vilnius University), Olga Bielousova (Vilnius University), Edita Poluzioroviene (Vilnius University), Rimantas Stukas (0000-0002-4591-5891, Vilnius University), Arūnas Valiulis (0000-0002-0287-9915, Vilnius University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 14 |
| Pages | 1835292-1835292 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-29 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1835292 |
| PMID | 42293678 |
| OpenAlex | W7162793510 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 47 |
Background The quality of air in kindergartens, where children spend a significant part of their time, is an important determinant of health. Objective This study aimed to explore the relationship between indoor air pollution in kindergartens and wheezing syndrome in preschool children. Methods Air pollution, specifically the concentration of particulate matter (PM), was measured in 24 kindergartens. A total of 1,794 parents of preschool children were surveyed about respiratory symptoms and environmental factors affecting their children. Results The mean age of the children was 4.07 (± 1.44) years, and 50.9% were males. Wheezing history was reported in 5.8% of children, while separately evaluated physician-diagnosed bronchiolitis in 11.1% and asthma in 2.6%. One third of children were exposed to smoking and 44.2% had pets at home. Allergic rhinitis and eczema, having siblings, higher concentrations of PM 2.5 and PM 1 in kindergarten environments, and proximity to railways were independently associated with an increased risk wheezing of wheezing in preschool children. Conclusion The association between wheezing and indoor PM 2.5 and PM 1 concentration in kindergartens outweighed other common household exposures, such as pet ownership and secondhand tobacco smoke. Therefore, improving indoor air quality through effective control of air pollutants, installation of vegetative barriers near kindergartens that promote particulate matter dry deposition from outdoor air pollution sources, and adherence to indoor air quality guidelines are essential for preventing recurrent wheeze in early childhood
Air pollution · Asthma · Bronchiolitis · Indoor air · Indoor air quality · Particulates · Passive smoking · Tobacco smoke · Wheeze · Air Quality and Health Impacts · Asthma and respiratory diseases · Indoor Air Quality and Microbial Exposure
| Highly cited | No |
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