Indoor air quality and heat stress in older adults requiring home care
Journal
Occupational Medicine
Journal Volume
74
Journal Issue
Supplement_1
Start Page
0-0
ISSN
0962-7480
1471-8405
Date Issued
2024-07-01
Author(s)
Abstract
Introduction
Climate change’s impact on public health is a growing concern, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly. This study aims to assess indoor air quality and heat exposure levels for elderly patients in home healthcare settings.
Methods
During a three-month period from May to July 2023, this study focused on elderly patients receiving medical home visits from National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch. AirBoxes (Edimax AI-1001W V3) were placed in each patient’s home to monitor indoor PM2.5 levels, temperature, and relative humidity. Heat index (HI) values were calculated to evaluate the severity of heat exposure.
Results
The study included eleven elderly patients, with an average age of 72.5 years, comprising nine males and two females. Approximately 41.19% of person-time faced Extreme Caution levels of heat exposure (HI: 32.2 - 39.4°C), indicating significant exposure to elevated heat index values. An additional 37.06% of person-time experienced Caution levels (HI: 26.7 - 32.2°C). Moreover, 14.46% of person-time faced Danger levels (HI: 39.4 - 51.1°C) of indoor heat exposure. Regarding 24-hour average PM2.5 levels, 44.51% of person-time experienced Good air quality (below 12 μg/m³), and 43.67% encountered Moderate air quality (12 - 35.5 μg/m³). However, 6.88% of person-time were exposed to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups of air quality (35.5 - 55.5 μg/m³), and 2.06% faced Unhealthy or Very Unhealthy air quality (55.5 - 250.5 μg/m³).
Discussion and conclusion
This study emphasizes the importance of indoor air quality and heat stress for elders. Proactive efforts to manage indoor environments are important for the elderly population.
Subjects
air pollution
indoor
climate
heat (physical force)
heat stress disorders
hospitals
university
taiwan
body temperature
public health medicine
temperature
older adult
heat exposure
medical home
relative humidity
vulnerable populations
SDGs
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Type
journal article