Asthma symptoms and respiratory infections in Malaysian students-associations with ethnicity and chemical exposure at home and school

Little is known on respiratory effects of indoor chemicals in the tropics. We investigated associations between asthma and infections Malaysian students chemical exposure at home school. Moreover, we differences environment three main ethnic groups Malaysia (Malay, Chinese, Indian). Totally, 462 from 8 junior high schools Johor Bahru participated (96% participation rate). The answered a questionnaire health environment. Climate, carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOC), formaldehyde nitrogen (NO2) were measured inside outside schools. Multilevel logistic regression was applied to study health. Totally 4.8% smokers, 10.3% had wheeze, 9.3% current asthma, 18.8% any infection past 3 months. Malay more dampness or mould (p < 0.001), environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) 0.001) cats as compared Chinese Indian students. Wheeze associated with ethnicity = 0.02; lower Indian), atopy 0.002), smoking 0.02) recent painting 0.03). Current 0.001; Chinese) para-dichlorobenzene classroom air 0.008). Respiratory related ethylbenzene 0.01) air. Para-dichlorobenzene used Asia against insects. In conclusion, emissions can increase risk wheeze. schools, while infections.