Effects of home wall painting on respiratory and allergic diseases in children

ABSTRACT

The effect of household air pollution on health is an important topic of study and research considering the increasing amount of time that people spend inside buildings. Although numerous studies have been conducted on indoor allergens and their effects on the development of allergies in both adults and children, little is known about the pollutants produced by indoor painting and their association with respiratory diseases.
Recent studies have suggested a significant cause-and-effect correlation between high VOCs concentrations in indoor air, due to repainting, and the development of respiratory and allergic diseases in children, while other papers report the absence of effects on health when paints with low VOCs concentrations are used.
However, the evidence is currently insufficient to draw firm conclusions, and further high-quality observational studies, as well as clinical trials, are needed for a more comprehensive investigation to elucidate this issue.
Given the potential risks in both the development of fetuses and children, it is imperative that government agencies and organizations implement proactive measures on wall paints to prevent potential adverse health outcomes.

IMPACT STATEMENT
Little is still known about the correlation between air pollution due to indoor wall painting and the development of allergy and respiratory diseases in children. Many components derived from paints can stimulate the airways, particularly in children. Proactive initiatives are necessary to protect fetuses and children from these indoor pollutants.

Received: May 23, 2023
Accepted: Aug 21, 2023
Published: Sept 1, 2023