Impacts of night market on indoor air quality and lung function of children in nearby households.

Abstract

Background: Night markets-a unique element of Asian culture-involve various cooking methods and combustion, generating air pollutants with adverse health effects. However, there is no scientific literature on whether air pollutants from night markets affect indoor air quality and the lung function of children in nearby households.

Objective: We evaluated the impacts of night market, specifically market opening days and household distance from the market, on indoor air quality and the lung function of children in nearby households.

Methods: Using real-time monitoring equipment, we measured concentrations of particulate matter (PM)₁, PM_2.5, PM₁₀, carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide (SO₂), ozone, total volatile organic compound (TVOC), airborne bacteria, and fungi in 58 households located near a night market. Additionally, we assessed the lung function values of children living in these households.

Results: PM₁ and PM_2.5 concentrations were significantly higher during opening days than during closing days. The lung function values for children were significantly lower in households located ≤595 m from the market (near group) than in those located >595 m from the market (far group). Higher CO₂, CO, SO₂, TVOCs, and PM₁₀ concentrations and poor lung function were observed in children in the near group.

Impact statement: PM₁ and PM_2.5 concentrations were significantly higher during opening days of the night market than during closing days. Children residing near the night market (≤595 m) exhibited significantly lower lung function values than those living in houses located >595 m from the market.