Abstract
To evaluate lung function responses to short-term indoor PM1 and PM2.5 concentrations, we conducted a panel study of healthy schoolchildren aged 13–14 years. The following lung function parameters FVC, FEV1, PEF, and mid expiratory flows MEF25, MEF50, and MEF75 were measured in 141 schoolchildren of the secondary school in Wroclaw, Poland in years 2009–2010. On days when spirometry tests were conducted, simultaneously, PM1 and PM2.5 samples were collected inside the school premises. Information about differentiating factors for children including smoking parents, sex, living close to busy streets, dust, mold, and pollen allergies were collected by means of questionnaires. To account for repeated measurements, the method of generalized estimating equations (GEE) was used. The GEE models for the entire group of children revealed the adverse effects (p < 0.05) of PM1 and PM2.5. Small differences in effects estimates per interquartile range (IQR) of PM1 and PM2.5 on MEF25 (5.1 and 4.8 %), MEF50 (3.7 and 3.9 %), MEF75 (3.5 and 3.6 %) and FEV1 (1.3 and 1.0 %) imply that PM1 was likely the component of PM2.5 that might have a principal health effect on these lung function parameters. However, the reduction of FVC and PEF per IQR for PM2.5 (2.1 and 5.2 %, respectively) was higher than for PM1 (1.0 and 4.4 %, respectively). Adjustment for potential confounders did not change the unadjusted analysis.
Highlights
Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is the main component of air pollution in urban areas and has a significant impact on human health
There were significant (p < 0.05) negative associations between PEV1 and PEF and children feeling traffic nuisance, TRAFFIC, and between FEV and MEF50 and children living near heavy traffic roads, STREET, and between MEF50 and children allergic to house dust, dust allergy (DUST)
All these covariates, e.g., SEX, STREET, DUST, and TRAFFIC were considered in a multivariate approach of generalized estimating equations (GEE) for each PM pollutant
Summary
Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is the main component of air pollution in urban areas and has a significant impact on human health. The principal health effects include premature mortality, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and changes in lung function (WHO, 2005, WHO WHO, 2005a, WHO 2007). Children are more vulnerable to air pollution, because of greater ventilation rate per body weight and pulmonary surface area as compared to adults (Ginsberg et al 2005; Bateson and Schwartz 2008). The study by Ginsberg et al (2005) has reported that the pulmonary region of the lung has slower clearance, particles remain there longer, meaning that the particle dose can be two- to fourfold higher among young children as compared to adults (Ginsberg et al 2005). 20 % of 10-μm particles penetrate through the extrathoracic airways and into the lower respiratory tract
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