Yanan Luo1, Yijing Zhong2, Lihua Pang2, Yihao Zhao2, Richard Liang3, Xiaoying Zheng4. 1. Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China; APEC Health Science Academy, Peking University, Beijing, China; Advanced Systems Analysis, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Austria. 2. Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China; APEC Health Science Academy, Peking University, Beijing, China. 3. School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America. 4. Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China; APEC Health Science Academy, Peking University, Beijing, China. Electronic address: xzheng@pku.edu.cn.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Growing evidence has linked outdoor air pollution exposure with higher risk of cognitive impairments. However, the role of indoor air pollution in cognitive decline is not well elaborated. By using nationally representative longitudinal data, this study aimed to explore the effects of indoor air pollution from solid fuel use on cognitive function among middle-aged and older individuals in China. METHODS: Data were obtained from 2011 to 2015 waves of CHARLS (China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study). Scores from the Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status and figure drawing/word recall tests were used to measure cognitive function in 39,482 individuals. Exposure to indoor air pollution was measured as use of solid fuel for cooking. Solid fuel was defined as coal, biomass charcoal, wood, and straw; clean fuel was defined as liquefied gas, natural gas, and electricity. Linear mixed effect models were applied to examine the effect of indoor air pollution from solid fuel use on cognitive function. RESULTS: Participants had an average global cognitive function of 9.67 (SD = 4.13). Solid fuel users made up 49.71% of participants, but this proportion was much greater among those living in rural areas (64.22%). Compared with clean fuel users, solid fuel users had worse cognitive function. On average, solid fuel users had a 0.81 (95%CI: -0.89, -0.73) lower global cognition score, 0.63 (95%CI: -0.69, -0.57) lower mental health score, and 0.16 (95%CI: -0.22, -0.14) lower episodic memory score. These effects were stronger among participants who are female, aged 65 years old and above, have education level of primary school and below, or have cardiovascular diseases. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence for the role of indoor air pollution in neurobehavioral disorders in China. Promotion of practices like expanded use of clean fuel and improved stoves in households may be crucial to significantly reduce indoor air pollution and protect mental health.
OBJECTIVES: Growing evidence has linked outdoor air pollution exposure with higher risk of cognitive impairments. However, the role of indoor air pollution in cognitive decline is not well elaborated. By using nationally representative longitudinal data, this study aimed to explore the effects of indoor air pollution from solid fuel use on cognitive function among middle-aged and older individuals in China. METHODS: Data were obtained from 2011 to 2015 waves of CHARLS (China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study). Scores from the Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status and figure drawing/word recall tests were used to measure cognitive function in 39,482 individuals. Exposure to indoor air pollution was measured as use of solid fuel for cooking. Solid fuel was defined as coal, biomass charcoal, wood, and straw; clean fuel was defined as liquefied gas, natural gas, and electricity. Linear mixed effect models were applied to examine the effect of indoor air pollution from solid fuel use on cognitive function. RESULTS:Participants had an average global cognitive function of 9.67 (SD = 4.13). Solid fuel users made up 49.71% of participants, but this proportion was much greater among those living in rural areas (64.22%). Compared with clean fuel users, solid fuel users had worse cognitive function. On average, solid fuel users had a 0.81 (95%CI: -0.89, -0.73) lower global cognition score, 0.63 (95%CI: -0.69, -0.57) lower mental health score, and 0.16 (95%CI: -0.22, -0.14) lower episodic memory score. These effects were stronger among participants who are female, aged 65 years old and above, have education level of primary school and below, or have cardiovascular diseases. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence for the role of indoor air pollution in neurobehavioral disorders in China. Promotion of practices like expanded use of clean fuel and improved stoves in households may be crucial to significantly reduce indoor air pollution and protect mental health.
Authors: Joseph L Saenz; Sara D Adar; Yuan S Zhang; Jenny Wilkens; Aparajita Chattopadhyay; Jinkook Lee; Rebeca Wong Journal: Environ Int Date: 2021-06-26 Impact factor: 9.621
Authors: Qihao Chen; Zhan Ren; Yujie Liu; Yunfei Qiu; Haomin Yang; Yuren Zhou; Xiaodie Wang; Kuizhuang Jiao; Jingling Liao; Lu Ma Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-04-19 Impact factor: 3.390