Title Indoor air pollution in kindergartens is a stronger predictor of preschool wheezing than household pets and passive smoking
Authors Taminskienė, Vaida ; Prokopčiuk, Nina ; Butikis, Mindaugas ; Vaidelys, Lukas ; Ščeliokienė, Karolina ; Bielousova, Olga ; Poluziorovienė, Edita ; Stukas, Rimantas ; Valiulis, Arūnas
DOI 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1835292.s001
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Is Part of Frontiers in public health.. Lausanne : Frontiers Media SA. 2026, vol. 14, p. [1-10].. eISSN 2296-2565
Keywords [eng] indoor air pollution ; kindergartens ; particulate matter ; preschool children ; wheezing
Abstract [eng] Abstract 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 PM2.5 and PM1 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 PM2.5 and PM1 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.
Published Lausanne : Frontiers Media SA
Type Journal article
Language English
Publication date 2026
CC license CC license description