Abstract
Background:Research examining associations between air pollution exposure and respiratory symptoms in adults has generally been inconclusive. This may be related in part to sample size issues, which also preclude analysis in potentially vulnerable subgroups.Objectives:We estimated associations between air pollution exposures and the prevalence of wheeze and shortness of breath using harmonized baseline data from two very large European cohorts, Lifelines (2006–2013) and UK Biobank (2006–2010). Our aim was also to determine whether the relationship between air pollution and respiratory symptom prevalence differed between individuals with different characteristics.Methods:Cross-sectional analyses explored associations between prevalence of self-reported wheeze and shortness of breath and annual mean particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter , , and (, , and , respectively) and nitrogen dioxide () concentrations at place of residence using logistic regression. Subgroup analyses and tests for interaction were performed for age, sex, smoking status, household income, obesity status, and asthma status.Results:All PM exposures were associated with respiratory symptoms based on single-pollutant models, with the largest associations seen for with prevalence of wheezing {odds ratio per [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11, 1.21]} and shortness of breath [ per (95% CI: 1.45, 1.78)]. The association between shortness of breath and a increment in was significantly higher for individuals from lower-[ (95% CI: 1.52, 1.97)] versus higher-income households [ (95% CI: 1.11, 1.55); ), whereas the association between and wheeze was limited to lower-income participants [ (95% CI: 1.22, 1.38) vs. ; (95% CI: 0.96, 1.08); ]. Exposure to also showed positive associations with wheeze and shortness of breath.Conclusion:Exposure to PM and air pollution was associated with the prevalence of wheeze and shortness of breath in this large study, with stronger associations between and both outcomes among lower- versus higher-income participants. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1353
Highlights
In 2010, ambient particulate matter (PM) air pollution was ranked as the ninth overall highest attributable burden risk factor and was estimated to cause 3.1 million premature deaths and 3.1% of disability adjusted life years (DALYs) worldwide (Lim et al 2012)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute lower respiratory disease (ALRD), and lung cancer accounted for 28% of deaths attributable to ambient air pollution in 2012 (WHO 2016)
Respiratory symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath are indicators of airway inflammation associated with chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD, emphysema, and Address correspondence to D
Summary
In 2010, ambient particulate matter (PM) air pollution was ranked as the ninth overall highest attributable burden risk factor and was estimated to cause 3.1 million premature deaths and 3.1% of disability adjusted life years (DALYs) worldwide (Lim et al 2012). Ambient air pollution is thought to increase the risk of asthma exacerbation and asthma onset in children and adults (Guarnieri and Balmes 2014). Respiratory symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath are indicators of airway inflammation associated with chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD, emphysema, and Address correspondence to D. Research examining associations between air pollution exposure and respiratory symptoms in adults has generally been inconclusive. This may be related in part to sample size issues, which preclude analysis in potentially vulnerable subgroups
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