Abstract
The area of Civitavecchia (Lazio region, Central Italy) has been a reason of concern in the past because of environmental air contamination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between air pollution from different sources and respiratory symptoms and lung function in the population. A sample of 1177 residents underwent medical examination and lung function tests. Information on individual characteristics, histories of exposure and medical history were collected through a validated questionnaire. Long-term exposure to industrial, harbour, biomass combustion emissions (PM10) and urban traffic (NOx) at residential address was assessed using a Lagrangian dispersion model. The associations between exposure and wheezing and dyspnea were assessed using logistic regression models, while modified Poisson regression models were used to evaluate cough with phlegm. Relationships between exposure and lung function were analysed using linear mixed-effects models and cross-correlation. PM10 emissions from the harbour were associated with lower lung function parameters (FEV1: β = –0.12, 95% CI –0.21 –0.03; p = 0.02; FEV1/FVC: β = –1.67, (–3.10 –0.23); p = 0.02. This association was observed also in healthy subjects, but not in females. We found, even if at low exposure level, an effect of environmental PM10 exposure from harbour on lung function.
Highlights
Air pollution (AP) is the most relevant environmental cause of disease and premature death in the world today
The individual characteristics of the sample according to exposure categories, PM10 from Tor Valdaliga North (TVN), harbour and biomass combustion and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from traffic, are described in Table 1
People living in the area with higher concentrations of PM10 or NOx were more likely to be younger and with a lower educational level compared with people living in areas with lower exposure
Summary
Air pollution (AP) is the most relevant environmental cause of disease and premature death in the world today. Air pollutants can cause acute inflammation; human, animal and in vitro experimental studies demonstrated an increased recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells and mediators, as well as activation of intracellular oxidative stress via the generation of free radicals and depletion of protective antioxidants and their enzymes [3]. Respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, cough and shortness of breath are common in respiratory diseases characterized by airway inflammation such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asthma [4]. Associations between particulate matter exposure and respiratory health outcomes such as
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