The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of environmental exposures including characteristics of heating systems, on exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in a community sample of children as the fractional concentration of exhaled FeNO appears to be a good marker for airway inflammation in children with asthma.
Results showed that compared with forced air and hot water radiant heat, electric baseboard heating was associated with a significant increase of FeNO in healthy children (P=0.007) and children with allergies (P=0.043) with the lowest results in all evaluations favoring hot water radiant heating (see study, Table 2., pg. e20).
citation: Kovesi, T.A., Dales, R.E., Effects of the indoor environment on the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide in school-aged children, Canadian Respiratory Journal, Vol.16 No 3 May/June 2009, Copyright © Pulsus Group Inc
RBc: Previously we shared access to the Environmental Health paper on the Effects of Humidification on Influenza Virus Survival in Rooms Conditioned with Radiant Heating and Forced Air. As a follow up we share access to this interesting study which includes a look at among other elements, the environmental influence of heating systems on school aged children. Once again it's important for industry to pay attention to these studies as buildings including choices in HVAC systems have an effect on indoor environmental quality and thus an influence on occupant health, wellness, productivity and learning.
Access to this study and related reports:
