Lung Function in Adolescents Exposed to Environmental Contamination and Brickworks in Guadalajara, Mexico

Abstract

To compare the pulmonary function in adolescents exposed to different concentrations of air pollutants in two different zones. Two zones based on monitoring of environmental pollutant concentration as high (zone 1) and low (zone 2) were chosen. The lung functions of apparently healthy adolescents (12-15 years) residing in two zones were measured for forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, and forced expiratory flow (FEF)25-75. A total of 302 adolescents (142, zone 1 and 160, zone 2) resided in the study area, with higher than permissible concentrations of PM10 and ozone at both places. Abnormal lung functions were seen in a higher proportion of adolescents in zone 1 than zone 2 (23% and 14%; P=0.04). A significantly lower mean (SD) FEV1 was seen in adolescents in zone 1 than zone 2 [2.9 (0.5) vs. 3.2 (0.4) L, P = 0.04]. A higher proportion of abnormal FEV1/FVC ratio% was seen in zone 1 than 2 (12% vs. 6%, P=0.04), suggestive of an obstructive pattern on spirometry. Higher risk (b 95% CI) for abnormal lung functions was seen with the zone [2.2 (1.1-4.2)], diagnosis of asthma [5.74 (2.4-13.2)], and living within 500 meters from a brickwork [1.8 (1.0-2.5)]. High exposure to PM10, ozone and living near brickwork were associated with reduced lung function in adolescents.