Indoor Air Quality in Homes of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Rationale: Outdoor air quality is associated with respiratory morbidity and mortality. Less is known of the relationship of indoor air quality to respiratory health of groups vulnerable to outdoor air, such as those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Objectives: To investigate among patients with COPD the association of health status with indoor air quality in their homes.Methods: Observational study of indoor environmental characteristics of homes of 148 patients with severe COPD in North East Scotland.Measurements and Main Results: Airborne living room levels of particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) (μg/m3) were measured over 8 to 14 hours using DustTrak monitors. Nitrogen dioxide exposure (ppb) in living rooms was measured over 1 week. Endotoxin (EU [endotoxin units]/mg) in living room dust was measured. Health status of participants was assessed by the St. George's Respiratory Health Questionnaire (symptoms, activity limitation, and disease impact). The mean age o...