Effects of indoor air pollution on respiratory symptoms of non-smoking women in Niš, Serbia

Abstract

Rationale: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of indoor air pollution exposure on respiratory symptoms and illnesses in non-smoking women in Niš, Serbia. Materials and methods: The study was carried out in 1,082 never-smoking females, aged 20-40 years, who were not occupationally exposed to indoor air pollution. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and illnesses was assessed using the American Thoracic Society questionnaires. Multivariate methods were used in the analysis. Results: A strong association was found between respiratory symptoms and indoor air pollution. The associations between home dampness and sinusitis and bronchitis were also found to be statistically significant. Conclusions: Indoor air pollution exposure is an important risk factor for respiratory symptoms and illnesses in nonsmoking women in Niš, Serbia.