The contribution of green buildings in reducing asthma morbidity among children

• Main Authors: Kamaru Azman, Auni Nur Sabrina, Elgharbawy, Amal A.M.
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: HC79.E5 Environmental policy and economic development. Sustainable development. Sustainability.; TJ163.26 Energy conservation
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/103356/1/103356_THE%20CONTRIBUTION%20OF%20GREEN%20BUILDINGS.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/103356/; https://www.iage-net.org/igec2022

Green buildings are designed to use less energy and resources to increase productivity for their residents and occupants, recycle materials and reduce the disposal of toxic substances. There are a few aspects of green buildings which are energy, water, materials, site, and indoor air quality. It is well-known in environmental health circles that we spend up to 90% of our time indoors. Because this covers the vast majority of our exposure time, and concentrations of numerous indoor pollutants are higher indoors than outdoors, it follows logically that indoor environments influence our health. Indoor environmental stressors that can be found in residential settings include second-hand smoke, gas stove emissions, dust mites and cockroach allergens, and air pollutants such as ozone (O3), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The potential for adverse health effects from these indoor pollutants’ exposures includes asthma. Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood worldwide and is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in children. Asthma results from interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Poorly-controlled asthma is associated with persistent symptoms, accelerated decline in lung function, and a greatly increased risk of future attacks, which may be life-threatening. Hence, this study is being conducted to investigate the relationship between asthma morbidity and the green buildings in terms of indoor air quality, among children. This study is being conducted using the literature review approach. Journal manuscripts that focus on childhood asthma and green building were analyzed, and the papers that are related to this study are being selected. The findings demonstrate that green building design also focuses on improving human health, especially through the implementation of good indoor quality, apart from minimizing environmental impacts largely through energy and water conservation measures, and limiting local impacts to the building site. Moreover, indoor environment quality is a very important parameter to be considered for green buildings as it directly affects the health of residents. Recent studies also stated that in buildings with good environmental quality, the likelihood of respiratory diseases, such as asthma, is less. The lower rates of asthma morbidity have also been proven in several past studies as indoor allergen exposures are important risk factors for asthma development in children. Great indoor air quality in green buildings can be one of the most promising interventions in reducing asthma morbidity among children by producing a long-term benefit from decreasing indoor allergens and triggers. It is expected that this review will give insights into the environment as green buildings assist in the indoor environment in decreasing numerous exposures that have the potential to influence asthma morbidity. Besides, green buildings can result in significant economic savings from the improvement in health as it leads to low health costs and assists in overcoming the challenges in other trials to improve asthma control. Green buildings can also benefit the society through the creation of a healthy indoor environment such as better air quality. This is particularly important for those who have asthma, as it could prevent its symptoms.