Investigation on Indoor Environment and Health Status of Residents in a Village of Zhengding County, Shijiazhuang

Objectives To understand the present situation of rural indoor environment, the health status of rural residents, the knowledge of indoor environmental hygiene among rural residents in Zhengding County of Shijiazhuang and to propose corresponding control and solving measures.

Methods Some residents of Yong'an Village in Zhengding County, Shijiazhuang were chosen as the research objects. Samples of the indoor environment were collected. Sampling indicators included PM_2.5, PM₁₀, formaldehyde, NO₂ and so on. Questionnaires were used to survey on the basic situation of the household, health status of family members and knowledge of environmental health. Mann-Whitney U test, t test, Spearman rank correlation and Chi-square test were used for statistical analysis.

Results The qualified rates of noise, CO, NO₂, benzene, toluene and dimethylbenzene were all 100%. The over standard rate of temperature was 97.92% (47/48), which was the maximum. The qualified rates of PM_2.5 in living room and bedroom were 37.50% (9/24) and 45.83% (11/24), respectively. The qualified rates of PM₁₀ in living room and bedroom were both 50.00% (12/24). Burning incense had the greatest influence on indoor air. The qualified rates of PM_2.5, PM₁₀ and formaldehyde in residential buildings of residents with a long cold duration were low. There was a positive correlation between the health status of rural residents and indoor environment (r_s=0.41, P < 0.05). Environmental health knowledge scores of rural residents were low (P₉₅ less than 65 points).

Conclusions Indoor temperature, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ might be important factors affecting rural indoor environment in Zhengding County. PM_2.5, PM₁₀ and formaldehyde might be important factors affecting residents' health. In addition, rural residents were lack of environmental health knowledge.