A participatory study of indoor environment quality in homes of children and youth in Kanehsatake First Nation

Abstract

Paper summary generated by OpenAI: This study investigates indoor environment quality in homes of children and youth within the Kanehsatake First Nation, utilizing a community-based participatory research approach. We measured key indoor air quality indicators, including particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon dioxide (CO2), and relative humidity, across 31 randomly selected households. Our findings revealed that 52% of homes had excessive humidity, with a mean PM2.5 concentration of 21.0 µg/m³, significantly higher in smoking households. Additionally, 30% of homes exceeded safe CO2 levels, and many reported inadequate ventilation and a history of flooding, highlighting the urgent need for improved housing conditions and the effectiveness of participatory research in addressing environmental health disparities in Indigenous communities.