Exposure to volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides and lung function in Mexican Preschoolers

Abstract

Backgroud: Omega-3 fatty acid such docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) influence immune function and inflammation; however, the influence of prenatal DHA on infant respiratory function is unknown. Objective: To evaluate the impact of air pollutions on lung function in preschool children and evaluate the interaction between supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and exposure to air pollution in this population. Methods. We realized forced oscillation lung function tests (respiratory resistance (Rrs6, 8 Hz) and reactance (Xrs6, 8 Hz)) using a Cosmed Quark i2m in 631 preschoolers whose mothers participated in a clinical trial of fatty acid supplementation omega-3 during pregnancy. For the exposure assessment to air pollutants we ran land-use regression models using local monitoring information at 60 sites in the state of Morelos. To evaluate the association we ran Gees Generalized Equation Models for binary data adjusting for important variables. Results. Respiratory function did not vary significantly between supplementation groups. An inverse relationship was observed between exposure to toluene and nitrogen oxides on lung function significantly (Rrs6, and Xrs6 8Hz, 8Hz (p <0.05). We observed no significant interaction between treatment group and exposure to air pollutants. Conclusions. Exposure to air pollution affects lung function and growth lung of Mexican preschoolers. Key Words: Forced oscillation test, Preschoolers, lung function, omega-3 supplementation.