Impaired infant lung function in relation to air pollution exposure

Abstract

Background: Air pollution (AP) exposure during infancy can affect lung function later in childhood and adolescence. However, few studies have investigated the effect of AP exposure on lung function in infancy. Aims: To investigate infant lung function in relation to exposure to PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 in an area with comparatively low pollution levels. Methods: Using birth registers, healthy infants residing in Stockholm city were recruited to one cohort (n=99) between 2014 and 2017. Another cohort (n=78) also included healthy infants recruited from maternity wards between 2009 and 2011 in Stockholm County. Forced expiratory maneuvers were performed in both cohorts. In pooled analyses of the two cohorts lung function measures at about 6 months of age were related to time-weighted average AP levels at residential addresses from birth and onwards using linear regression with inclusion of potential confounding variables. Results: There was a significant inverse relation between AP exposure and FEV0.5 as well as FVC at 6 months of age. Conclusion: Air pollution exposure was associated with impaired infant lung function measures related to both obstructive and restrictive airway disease.