Abstract
Health effects of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) concentrations in densely populated areas are previously described. However, there is still a lack of knowledge of the health effects of moderate TRAP levels. The aim of the current study, a population-based survey including 16 099 adults (response rate 33%), was to assess the relationship between TRAP estimates and respiratory symptoms in an area with modest levels of traffic; Telemark County, Norway. Respondents reported respiratory symptoms the past 12 months and two TRAP exposure estimates: amount of traffic outside their bedroom window and time spent by foot daily along a moderate to heavy traffic road. Females reported on average more symptoms than males. Significant relationships between traffic outside their bedroom window and number of symptoms were only found among females, with the strongest associations among female occasional smokers (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.16–2.62] for moderate or heavy traffic compared to no traffic). Significant relationship between time spent daily by foot along a moderate to heavy traffic road and number of symptoms was found among male daily smokers (IRR 1.09, 95% CI [1.04–1.15] per hour increase). Associations between traffic outside bedroom window and each respiratory symptom were found. Significant associations were primarily detected among females, both among smokers and non-smokers. Significant associations between time spent by foot daily along a moderate to heavy traffic road (per hour) and nocturnal dyspnoea (odds ratio (OR) 1.20, 95% CI [1.05–1.38]), nocturnal chest tightness (OR 1.13 [1.00–1.28]) and wheezing (OR 1.14 [1.02–1.29]) were found among daily smokers, primarily men. Overall, we found significant associations between self-reported TRAP exposures and respiratory symptoms. Differences between genders and smoking status were identified. The findings indicate an association between TRAP and respiratory symptoms even in populations exposed to modest levels of TRAP.
Highlights
Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is one of the main sources of urban air pollution[1,2,3,4]
particulate matter (PM) is the TRAP component that is considered the main cause of respiratory morbidity [8], nitrogen oxides (NOx) have been associated with both new onset of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma[6, 9]
Population-based study of adults from Telemark County in Norway, we have found statistically significant associations between reported traffic outside bedroom window, time spent by foot daily along moderate to heavy trafficked road and respiratory symptoms
Summary
Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is one of the main sources of urban air pollution[1,2,3,4]. TRAP PM originates from combustion and non-combustion sources such as sanding and salting of the roads during winter, road dust and tire wear. Secondary pollutants such as ozone, nitrates and organic aerosol may form. PM is the TRAP component that is considered the main cause of respiratory morbidity [8], NOx have been associated with both new onset of COPD and asthma[6, 9].
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