Lifetime exposure to particulate air pollutants is negatively associated with lung function in non-asthmatic children
Journal
Environmental Pollution
Journal Volume
236
Pages
953-961
Date Issued
2018
Author(s)
Abstract
Background: Pulmonary function is known to be affected by acute and subacute exposure to ambient air pollution. However, the impacts of lifetime exposure to air pollution on the pulmonary function of children have been inconsistent. The present study investigated the impact of lifetime residential exposure to intermediate levels of air pollution on the pulmonary function of schoolchildren. Methods: In 2011, a survey of children aged 6–15 years was conducted in 44 schools in Taiwan. Atopic history, residential history, and environmental factors were recorded. Spirograms were obtained from a random sample of children without asthma. A total of 535 girls and 481 boys without a history of asthma were enrolled. Lifetime residential exposure to air pollutants, including particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 μm (PM10), ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO), was estimated using the kriging method, based on monitored data from the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the association between lifetime air pollution exposure and pulmonary function, after adjustment for potential confounders and recent exposure. Results: After adjustment for 7-day average air pollutant levels, a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM10 was related to reductions in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (?2.00%; 95% confidence interval [CI] ?3.09% to ?0.90%), forced vital capacity (?1.86%; CI: ?2.96% to ?0.75%), and maximal midexpiratory flow (?2.28%; CI: ?4.04% to ?0.51%). These associations were independent of the other pollutants. Conclusion: Lifetime exposure to 25–85 μg/m3 of PM10 has negative impacts on the pulmonary function of children. This study provides documentation that lifetime exposure to 25–85 μg/m3 of PM10 reduces the pulmonary function of schoolchildren, after adjustment for short-term exposure. ? 2017 Elsevier Ltd
SDGs
Other Subjects
Atmospheric movements; Carbon monoxide; Diseases; Housing; Linear regression; Nitrogen oxides; Particles (particulate matter); Sulfur dioxide; Air pollution exposures; Child; Forced expiratory volume in 1; Lifetime; Multiple linear regressions; Particulate Matter; Respiratory function; Taiwan environmental protection administrations; Air pollution; carbon monoxide; nitrogen dioxide; ozone; sulfur dioxide; carbon monoxide; nitrogen dioxide; ozone; sulfur dioxide; atmospheric pollution; carbon monoxide; child health; environmental factor; nitrogen dioxide; ozone; particulate matter; pollution exposure; sulfur dioxide; adolescent; air pollutant; air pollution; allergic rhinitis; Article; asthma; child; controlled study; cross-sectional study; environmental exposure; female; forced expiratory volume; forced vital capacity; human; lung function; major clinical study; male; maximal expiratory flow; particle size; particulate matter; residential area; Taiwan; wheezing; analysis; drug effect; lung; lung function test; particulate matter; pathophysiology; questionnaire; toxicity; Taiwan; Adolescent; Asthma; Carbon Monoxide; Child; Environmental Exposure; Female; Humans; Lung; Male; Nitrogen Dioxide; Ozone; Particulate Matter; Respiratory Function Tests; Sulfur Dioxide; Surveys and Questionnaires; Taiwan
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Type
journal article