Home heating and respiratory symptoms among children in Belfast, northern Ireland

In this study, the authors assessed whether home heating with a glass-fronted solid fuel fire (GFF) affected the respiratory health of children in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Questionnaires were mailed to 2,480 households within 4 medical general practice areas of the city. Respiratory symptoms, tobacco exposure, socioeconomic status, and crowding were studied. The authors found statistically significant relationships (p < 0.001) between GFF heating and wheeze, cough, and asthma diagnosis (odds ratios [ORs] = 3.23, 2.91, and 1.83, respectively). After controlling for tobacco exposure, social deprivation, and crowding, GFF heating remained associated with wheeze, cough, and asthma diagnosis (ORs = 2.47, 2.20, and 1.81, respectively). Respiratory symptoms were triggered 6 times more often when GIFF heating was turned on, compared with when it was off. A pilot environmental study of 19 homes determined that levels of particulate matter with diameters less than or equal to 10 mum (PM10) were significantly higher when GFF heating was on. Home heating with GIFF is associated with respiratory symptoms in children; in fact, PM10 levels may be the causal link.