Abstract
BackgroundAdverse respiratory effects of particulate air pollution have been identified by epidemiological studies. We aimed to examine the health effects of ambient particulate air pollution from wood burning on school-age students in Christchurch, New Zealand, and to explore the utility of urine and exhaled breath condensate biomarkers of exposure in this population.MethodsA panel study of 93 male students (26 with asthma) living in the boarding house of a metropolitan school was undertaken in the winter of 2004. Indoor and outdoor pollution data was continuously monitored. Longitudinal assessment of lung function (FEV1 and peak flow) and symptoms were undertaken, with event studies of high pollution on biomarkers of exposure (urinary 1-hydroxypyrene) and effect (exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH and hydrogen peroxide concentration).ResultsPeak levels of air pollution were associated with small but statistically significant effects on lung function in the asthmatic students, but not healthy students. No significant effect of pollution could be seen either on airway inflammation and oxidative stress either in healthy students or students with asthma. Minor increases in respiratory symptoms were associated with high pollution exposure. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels were raised in association with pollution events by comparison with low pollution control days.ConclusionThere is no significant effect of ambient wood-smoke particulate air pollution on lung function of healthy school-aged students, but a small effect on respiratory symptoms. Asthmatic students show small effects of peak pollution levels on lung function. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene shows potential as a biomarker of exposure to wood smoke in this population; however measurement of EBC pH and hydrogen peroxide appears not to be useful for assessment of population health effects of air pollution.Some of the data presented in this paper has previously been published in Kingham and co-workers Atmospheric Environment, 2006 Jan; 40: 338–347 (details of pollution exposure), and Cavanagh and co-workers Sci Total Environ. 2007 Mar 1;374(1):51-9 (urine hydroxypyrene data).
Highlights
Adverse respiratory effects of particulate air pollution have been identified by epidemiological studies
There was no significant difference in % predicted Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) between asthmatics and non-asthmatics (97.54% ± 2.481 n = 26, vs 95.49% ± 1.635 n = 57), though FEV1/FVC ratio was significantly lower in the asthmatic students (FEV1/FVC ratio asthma group 0.803 ± 0.013 n = 26 vs normal group 0.834 ± 0.009 n = 57, p = 0.05)
Urinary 1-OHP levels were raised in association with pollution events, but no significant effect of pollution could be seen in the group as a whole either on lung function or airway inflammation and oxidative stress in healthy children
Summary
Adverse respiratory effects of particulate air pollution have been identified by epidemiological studies. We aimed to examine the health effects of ambient particulate air pollution from wood burning on school-age students in Christchurch, New Zealand, and to explore the utility of urine and exhaled breath condensate biomarkers of exposure in this population. Epidemiological studies have established the adverse health effects of particulate air pollution, in relation to cardiac and respiratory effects [1,2]. The majority of research from the USA and Europe has studied particulate pollution from coal-fired power stations, heavy industry, and diesel engines. Wood and other organic matter combustion may be significant source of exposure in areas burning solid fuel for domestic heating, such as Canada and the North West USA, Scandinavia, and New Zealand.
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