Journal List > Korean J Occup Environ Med > v.23(3) > 1125542

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Seo, Kang, Cho, Lim, Kim, Sohn, and Hong: Effects of Volatile Organic Compounds, and Formaldehyde on Heart Rate Variability among Elderly People in Seoul
Original Article

Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011; 23(3): 253-260.

Published online: 30 September 2011

DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.3.253

Effects of Volatile Organic Compounds, and Formaldehyde on Heart Rate Variability among Elderly People in Seoul

Jeong-Cheol Seo, Mo-Yeol Kang, Soo-Hun Cho, Youn-Hee Lim1, Jin-Hee Kim2, Jong-Ryeul Sohn3, Yun-Chul Hong

Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Korea.

1Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Korea.

2Institute of Environmental Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Korea.

3Department of Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Korea University, Korea.

Corresponding author (ychong1@snu.ac.kr)

Received 29 April 2011       Revised 14 June 2011       Accepted 27 June 2011

Copyright © 2011 The Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of volatile organic compounds, and formaldehyde on heart rate variability among elderly people who are vulnerable to ambient pollution.

Methods

From May to August of 2009, 57 subjects older than 60 years were recruited in this study. Indoor air pollutants (volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde) were measured by a personal passive sampler. Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured in the sitting position for five minutes and assessed by time-domain and frequency-domain.

Results

Multiple linear regression analysis showed significantly less low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) associated with elevated benzene levels. Exposure to toluene was associated with decreases in the Standard deviation of the NN intervals (SDNN) and LF. SDNN and LF were negatively associated with the increment of ethylbenzene levels.

Conclusions

An adverse effect on cardiovascular function caused by volatile organic compounds was observed among the elderly people of Seoul even though indoor air pollutant levels were lower than the yearly average guideline for indoor air quality in Korea.

Keywords: Heart rate, Indoor air, Volatile organic compounds

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