The impact of indoor environment factors on respiratory conditions among both children and adults in Turkey

<bold>Background:</bold> This study examined the impact of indoor air quality on respiratory health, in Turkey focusing on factors such as home insulation, mold exposure, and indoor environment. <bold>Methods:</bold> This survey was conducted in 10 provinces representing whole country. Questionnaires were performed to 1095 people including parents and children. <bold>Results:</bold> The presence of mold in a household was associated with a higher prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, wheezing and recent pneumonia in the study population (p<.001). Mold presence was the most significant factor associated with early childhood asthma and with adult COPD with OR:2,69 (95% CI: 1.49-4.84) and OR:3.47(95% CI: 2.24-5.37). History of pneumonia in last year was strongly associated with the mold (OR:3.48(95% CI:2.32-5.24) and OR:3,73(95% CI:1,87-7,43). Homes with indoor smoking had higher rates of hospital visits due to wheezing, COVID-19 history, diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, snoring and pneumonia (p<0.01). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> The presence of mold is associated with a likelihood of developing early childhood asthma, COPD, allergic rhinitis and pneumonia. Passive smoke exposure is also another known factor for respiratory morbidities.