Abstract
Aim: To explore the potential relationship between exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and asthma exacerbation among children and also to explore the potential exposure sources of PAHs at the household level. Methods: Case-control study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai among 60 participants after obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. The study was conducted from March till May 2018. Informed consent was obtained from the participants. The participants were included based on their clinical diagnosis of asthma and few participants were as used as control based on no documented history of wheeze and PEFR levels. All the participants were male children aged between 9-12 years and exclusion was done if they were reported to having congenital heart disease, surgery or chronic lung disease. They were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire to ascertain their exposure to PAHs sources. Urinary 1-OHP levels were analyzed using HPLC to determine their exposure. Results: Participants with asthma showed a higher concentration of 1-OHP (7.56mg/g) in their urine. Second-hand exposure to tobacco smoke, consumption of charred or grilled foods, use of indoor air pollutants and exposure to traffic fumes were identified as contributive factors to elevated 1-OHP levels. Conclusion: Exposure sources at household levels may play a major role in exacerbating asthma. Significant PAHs exposure was contributed through dietary habits. Further exposure monitoring studies are needed to quantify the impact of PAH exposure on respiratory health. Keywords: Polycylic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Asthma; 1-Hydroxypyrene
Highlights
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are formed due to incomplete combustion of organic substances
Recent studies have revealed that chronic exposure to PAHs can be associated with adverse respiratory health outcomes such as increased cough and wheeze in infants that may lead to development of breathing problems[4]
This study aims to identify the relationship between PAHs and asthma among children from selected parts of Chennai
Summary
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are formed due to incomplete combustion of organic substances. Chronic exposure to air pollution has been associated with exacerbation of asthma These studies mainly focus on traffic related emissions which are made up of particulate matter, DEP, oxides of Nitrogen and Sulphur, volatile organic compounds and PAHs in the initiation of respiratory symptoms and disorders [3]. In a recent survey by the U.S National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (1999–2000, 2001– 2002), higher levels of PAHs were detected among children, suggesting that they may face a higher risk for negative health effects [5]. Another significant factor that may contribute to PAHs exposure is the usage of biomass fuels.
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