Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds and Loss of Pulmonary Function in the Elderly

Abstract

ISEE-0180 Background: Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are reported to cause adverse effects on pulmonary function in occupationally exposed workers. However, evidence is lacking on the effect of exposure to ambient VOC on pulmonary function in the general population. We hypothesized that exposure to VOC results in oxidative stress and changes in pulmonary function, especially in the elderly population. Methods: A longitudinal panel study of 154 elderly people was performed at three different regions in South Korea. Repeated spirometric tests were performed on 8 different days. We measured the concentration of metabolites of VOC (Muconic acid, Mandelic acid, Hippuric acid, and Methylhippuric acid) and markers of oxidative stress (Malondialdehyde[MDA] and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosin[8-OHdG]) from urine samples. A mixed linear regression model was used to evaluate the association between the environmental exposure and the outcome variables. Results: The mean age of the participants was 73.5 years old. We found significant association between the metabolites of VOC and at least one of the two markers of oxidative stress (P < 0.05). There were also significant associations between the markers of oxidative stress and pulmonary function tests such as forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1 as a percentage of FVC (FEV1/FVC), and forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of the FVC (FEF25–75) (P < 0.05). We found that the urinary levels of hippuric acid and methylhippuric acid were significantly associated with reduction of these pulmonary function parameters (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Exposure to ambient VOC in elderly people exacerbates systemic oxidative stress and thus exerts a harmful effect on pulmonary function.