Respiratory/allergic effects of indoor toluene exposure on Italian schoolchildren

ABSTRACT
To assess the effects of indoor toluene on respiratory/allergic health in schoolchildren. Respiratory/allergic symptoms in the last week and related risk factors were assessed through questionnaire in 2284 schoolchildren (mean age 10 years, 50.9% males) of eight Italian cities. Measurements of pollutants were performed in 130 classrooms (44 schools).
Toluene was measured by Radiello^® passive diffusive samplers. The levels of indoor toluene were relatively low (mean 4.17 µg/m³, median 2.70 µg/m³). The prevalence of respiratory symptoms during the monitored week was 32.8% (16.8% at school), including 25.7% of dry cough (11.9% at school). Nasal and skin problems were reported by 73.3% (48.1% at school) and 31.6% (13.7% at school). Multiple logistic regression, accounting for center, sex, age, diagnosis/family history of asthma or rhinitis, passive smoking at home, levels of indoor particulate and carbon dioxide, indicated significant associations between toluene concentration and all considered respiratory/allergic symptoms.
The strongest association regarded dry cough (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.15-1.52) and dry cough at school (OR 1.51, 1.23-1.85). Although toluene levels in classrooms were relatively low, the exposure to this volatile organic compound is a risk factor for respiratory/allergic health of schoolchildren.