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Gui ZH, Guo ZY, Zhou Y, Dharmage S, Morawska L, Heinrich J, Cheng ZK, Gan H, Lin ZW, Zhang DY, Huang JW, Lin LZ, Liu RQ, Chen W, Sun BQ, Dong GH. Long-term ambient ozone exposure and childhood asthma, rhinitis, eczema, and conjunctivitis: A multi-city study in China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 478:135577. [PMID: 39178774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Evidence on the link of long-term exposure to ozone (O3) with childhood asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and eczema is inconclusive. We did a population-based cross-sectional survey, including 177,888 children from 173 primary and middle schools in 14 Chinese cities. A satellite-based spatiotemporal model was employed to assess four-year average O3 exposure at both residential and school locations. Information on asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema and conjunctivitis was collected by a standard questionnaire developed by the American Thoracic Society. We used generalized non-linear and linear mixed models to test the associations. We observed linear exposure-response associations between O3 and all outcomes. The odds ratios of doctor-diagnosed asthma, rhinitis, eczema, and conjunctivitis associated with per interquartile increment in home-school O3 concentration were 1.31 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.28, 1.34), 1.25 (95 %CI: 1.23, 1.28), 1.19 (95 %CI: 1.16, 1.21), and 1.28 (95 %CI: 1.21, 1.34), respectively. Similar associations were observed for asthma-related outcomes including current asthma, wheeze, current wheeze, persistent phlegm, and persistent cough. Moreover, stronger associations were observed among children who were aged > 12 years, physically inactive, and exposed to higher temperature. In conclusion, long-term O3 exposure was associated with higher risks of asthma, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and eczema in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Huan Gui
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhan-Yu Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shyamali Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lidia Morawska
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Joachim Heinrich
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Zhang-Kai Cheng
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Gan
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Lin
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dong-Ying Zhang
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Wen Huang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Li-Zi Lin
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ru-Qing Liu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Bao-Qing Sun
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guang-Hui Dong
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Chen YL, Lin YY, Chin PW, Chen CC, Cheng CG, Cheng CA. Analyzing COVID-19 and Air Pollution Effects on Pediatric Asthma Emergency Room Visits in Taiwan. TOXICS 2024; 12:79. [PMID: 38251034 PMCID: PMC10818664 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12010079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
(1) Background: An asthma exacerbation that is not relieved with medication typically requires an emergency room visit (ERV). The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began in Taiwan in January of 2020. The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric ERVs in Taiwan was limited. Our aim was to survey pediatric asthma ERVs in the COVID-19 era; (2) Methods: Data were collected from the health quality database of the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Administration from 2019 to 2021. Air pollution and climatic factors in Taipei were used to evaluate these relationships. Changes in the rates of pediatric asthma ERVs were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Poisson regression was used to evaluate the impact of air pollution and climate change; (3) Results: The rate of pediatric asthma ERVs declined in different areas and at different hospital levels including medical centers, regional and local hospitals. Some air pollutants (particulate matter ≤ 2.5 µm, particulate matter ≤ 10 µm, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide) reduced during the COVID-19 lockdown. Ozone increased the relative risk (RR) of pediatric asthma ERVs during the COVID-19 period by 1.094 (95% CI: 1.095-1.12) per 1 ppb increase; (4) Conclusions: The rate of pediatric asthma ERVs declined during the COVID-19 pandemic and ozone has harmful effects. Based on these results, the government could reduce the number of pediatric asthma ERVs through healthcare programs, thereby promoting children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Lin Chen
- School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan;
| | - Yen-Yue Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taoyuan 32549, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
| | - Pi-Wei Chin
- Department of Nursing, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Hua-Lien Hospital, Hua-Lien 97061, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Chueh Chen
- Department of General Surgery, China Medical University Beigang Hospital, Yunlin 65152, Taiwan;
| | - Chun-Gu Cheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taoyuan 32549, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
| | - Chun-An Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
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3
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Xu J, Shi Y, Chen G, Guo Y, Tang W, Wu C, Liang S, Huang Z, He G, Dong X, Cao G, Yang P, Lin Z, Zhu S, Wu F, Liu T, Ma W. Joint Effects of Long-Term Exposure to Ambient Fine Particulate Matter and Ozone on Asthmatic Symptoms: Prospective Cohort Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e47403. [PMID: 37535415 PMCID: PMC10436124 DOI: 10.2196/47403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The associations of long-term exposure to air pollutants in the presence of asthmatic symptoms remain inconclusive and the joint effects of air pollutants as a mixture are unclear. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the individual and joint associations of long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and daily 8-hour maximum ozone concentrations (MDA8 O3) in the presence of asthmatic symptoms in Chinese adults. METHODS Data were derived from the World Health Organization Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (WHO SAGE) cohort study among adults aged 50 years or older, which was implemented in 1 municipality and 7 provinces across China during 2007-2018. Annual average MDA8 O3 and PM2.5 at individual residential addresses were estimated by an iterative random forest model and a satellite-based spatiotemporal model, respectively. Participants who were diagnosed with asthma by a doctor or taking asthma-related therapies or experiencing related conditions within the past 12 months were recorded as having asthmatic symptoms. The individual associations of PM2.5 and MDA8 O3 with asthmatic symptoms were estimated by a Cox proportional hazards regression model, and the joint association was estimated by a quantile g-computation model. A series of subgroup analyses was applied to examine the potential modifications of some characteristics. We also calculated the population-attributable fraction (PAF) of asthmatic symptoms attributed to PM2.5 and MDA8 O3. RESULTS A total of 8490 adults older than 50 years were included, and the average follow-up duration was 6.9 years. During the follow-up periods, 586 (6.9%) participants reported asthmatic symptoms. Individual effect analyses showed that the risk of asthmatic symptoms was positively associated with MDA8 O3 (hazard ratio [HR] 1.12, 95% CI 1.01-1.24, for per quantile) and PM2.5 (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05-1.31, for per quantile). Joint effect analyses showed that per equal quantile increment of MDA8 O3 and PM2.5 was associated with an 18% (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05-1.33) increase in the risk of asthmatic symptoms, and PM2.5 contributed more (68%) in the joint effects. The individual PAFs of asthmatic symptoms attributable to PM2.5 and MDA8 O3 were 2.86% (95% CI 0.17%-5.50%) and 4.83% (95% CI 1.42%-7.25%), respectively, while the joint PAF of asthmatic symptoms attributable to exposure mixture was 4.32% (95% CI 1.10%-7.46%). The joint associations were greater in participants with obesity, in urban areas, with lower family income, and who used unclean household cooking fuel. CONCLUSIONS Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and MDA8 O3 may individually and jointly increase the risk of asthmatic symptoms, and the joint effects were smaller than the sum of individual effects. These findings informed the importance of joint associations of long-term exposure to air pollutants with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahong Xu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Shanghai Municipal Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Gongbo Chen
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yanfei Guo
- Shanghai Municipal Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiling Tang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cuiling Wu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuru Liang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongguo Huang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanhao He
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Dong
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ganxiang Cao
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pan Yang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziqiang Lin
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sui Zhu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Ma
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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VÖRÖS K, KÓI T, MAGYAR D, RUDNAI P, PÁLDY A. The influence of air pollution on respiratory allergies, asthma and wheeze in childhood in Hungary. Minerva Pediatr (Torino) 2022; 74:432-446. [DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5276.19.05466-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Paciência I, Cavaleiro Rufo J, Ribeiro AI, Severo M, Moreira A. Childhood asthma and land-use characteristics in school and residential neighborhoods: A decision tree learning approach. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2022; 33:e13662. [PMID: 34515374 DOI: 10.1111/pai.13662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Inês Paciência
- EPIUnit, Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal.,Departamento de Patologia, Serviço de Imunologia Básica e Clínica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Cavaleiro Rufo
- EPIUnit, Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal.,Departamento de Patologia, Serviço de Imunologia Básica e Clínica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Isabel Ribeiro
- EPIUnit, Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal.,Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Milton Severo
- EPIUnit, Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Porto, Portugal
| | - André Moreira
- EPIUnit, Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal.,Departamento de Patologia, Serviço de Imunologia Básica e Clínica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Faculdade de Ciências da Nutrição e Alimentação da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Sio YY, Chew FT. Risk factors of asthma in the Asian population: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Physiol Anthropol 2021; 40:22. [PMID: 34886907 PMCID: PMC8662898 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-021-00273-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objective An increasing trend of asthma prevalence was observed in Asia; however, contributions of environmental and host-related risk factors to the development of this disease remain uncertain. This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis for asthma-associated risk factors reported in Asia. Methods We systematically searched three public databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) in Feb 2021. We only included articles that reported environmental and host-related risk factors associated with asthma in the Asian population. Random-effect meta-analyses were conducted for frequently reported asthma-associated risk factors to provide an overall risk estimate of asthma development. Results Of 4030 records obtained from public databases, 289 articles were selected for review. The most frequently reported asthma-associated risk factor was the family history of allergy-related conditions. The random-effect asthma risk estimates (pooled odds ratio, OR) were 4.66 (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.73–5.82) for the family history of asthma, 3.50 (95% CI: 2.62–4.67) for the family history of atopy, 3.57 (95% CI: 3.03–4.22) for the family history of any allergic diseases, 1.96 (95% CI: 1.47–2.61) for the family history of allergic rhinitis, and 2.75 (95% CI: 1.12–6.76) for the family history of atopic dermatitis. For housing-related factors, including the presence of mold, mold spots, mold odor, cockroach, water damage, and incense burning, the random-effect pooled OR ranged from 1.43 to 1.73. Other risk factors with significant pooled OR for asthma development included male gender (1.30, 95% CI: 1.23–1.38), cigarette smoke exposure (1.44, 95% CI: 1.30–1.60), cigarette smoking (1.66, 95% CI: 1.44–1.90), body mass index (BMI)–related parameters (pooled OR ranged from 1.06 to 2.02), various types of air pollution (NO2, PM10, and O3; pooled OR ranged from 1.03 to 1.22), and pre- and perinatal factors (low birth weight, preterm birth, and cesarean section; pooled OR ranged from 1.14 to 1.32). Conclusions The family history of asthma was the most frequently reported risk factor for asthma development in Asia with the highest risk estimate for asthma development. This suggests a major role of the genetic component in asthma pathogenesis. Further study on asthma genetics is required to improve the current understanding of asthma etiology. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40101-021-00273-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yie Sio
- Allergy and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Lee Hiok Kwee Functional Genomics Laboratories, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Block S2, Level 5, 14 Science Drive 4, off Lower Kent Ridge Road, 117543, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fook Tim Chew
- Allergy and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Lee Hiok Kwee Functional Genomics Laboratories, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Block S2, Level 5, 14 Science Drive 4, off Lower Kent Ridge Road, 117543, Singapore, Singapore.
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7
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Girguis MS, Li L, Lurmann F, Wu J, Breton C, Gilliland F, Stram D, Habre R. Exposure Measurement Error in Air Pollution Studies: The Impact of Shared, Multiplicative Measurement Error on Epidemiological Health Risk Estimates. AIR QUALITY, ATMOSPHERE, & HEALTH 2020; 13:631-643. [PMID: 32601528 PMCID: PMC7323995 DOI: 10.1007/s11869-020-00826-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal air pollution models are increasingly being used to estimate health effects in epidemiological studies. Although such exposure prediction models typically result in improved spatial and temporal resolution of air pollution predictions, they remain subject to shared measurement error, a type of measurement error common in spatiotemporal exposure models which occurs when measurement error is not independent of exposures. A fundamental challenge of exposure measurement error in air pollution assessment is the strong correlation and sometimes identical (shared) error of exposure estimates across geographic space and time. When exposure estimates with shared measurement error are used to estimate health risk in epidemiological analyses, complex errors are potentially introduced, resulting in biased epidemiological conclusions. We demonstrate the influence of using a three-stage spatiotemporal exposure prediction model and introduce formal methods of shared, multiplicative measurement error (SMME) correction of epidemiological health risk estimates. Using our three-stage, ensemble learning based nitrogen oxides (NOx) exposure prediction model, we quantified SMME. We conducted an epidemiological analysis of wheeze risk in relation to NOx exposure among school-aged children. To demonstrate the incremental influence of exposure modeling stage, we iteratively estimated the health risk using assigned exposure predictions from each stage of the NOx model. We then determined the impact of SMME on the variance of the health risk estimates under various scenarios. Depending on the stage of the spatiotemporal exposure model used, we found that wheeze odds ratio ranged from 1.16 to 1.28 for an interquartile range increase in NOx. With each additional stage of exposure modeling, the health effect estimate moved further away from the null (OR=1). When corrected for observed SMME, the health effects confidence intervals slightly lengthened, but our epidemiological conclusions were not altered. When the variance estimate was corrected for the potential "worst case scenario" of SMME, the standard error further increased, having a meaningful influence on epidemiological conclusions. Our framework can be expanded and used to understand the implications of using exposure predictions subject to shared measurement error in future health investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam S Girguis
- Division of Environmental Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lianfa Li
- Division of Environmental Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Jun Wu
- Program in Public Health, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Carrie Breton
- Division of Environmental Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Frank Gilliland
- Division of Environmental Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Stram
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rima Habre
- Division of Environmental Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Thurston GD, Balmes JR, Garcia E, Gilliland FD, Rice MB, Schikowski T, Van Winkle LS, Annesi-Maesano I, Burchard EG, Carlsten C, Harkema JR, Khreis H, Kleeberger SR, Kodavanti UP, London SJ, McConnell R, Peden DB, Pinkerton KE, Reibman J, White CW. Outdoor Air Pollution and New-Onset Airway Disease. An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2020; 17:387-398. [PMID: 32233861 PMCID: PMC7175976 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202001-046st] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although it is well accepted that air pollution exposure exacerbates preexisting airway disease, it has not been firmly established that long-term pollution exposure increases the risk of new-onset asthma or chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (COPD). This Workshop brought together experts on mechanistic, epidemiological, and clinical aspects of airway disease to review current knowledge regarding whether air pollution is a causal factor in the development of asthma and/or COPD. Speakers presented recent evidence in their respective areas of expertise related to air pollution and new airway disease incidence, followed by interactive discussions. A writing committee summarized their collective findings. The Epidemiology Group found that long-term exposure to air pollution, especially metrics of traffic-related air pollution such as nitrogen dioxide and black carbon, is associated with onset of childhood asthma. However, the evidence for a causal role in adult-onset asthma or COPD remains insufficient. The Mechanistic Group concluded that air pollution exposure can cause airway remodeling, which can lead to asthma or COPD, as well as asthma-like phenotypes that worsen with long-term exposure to air pollution, especially fine particulate matter and ozone. The Clinical Group concluded that air pollution is a plausible contributor to the onset of both asthma and COPD. Available evidence indicates that long-term exposure to air pollution is a cause of childhood asthma, but the evidence for a similar determination for adult asthma or COPD remains insufficient. Further research is needed to elucidate the exact biological mechanism underlying incident childhood asthma, and the specific air pollutant that causes it.
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Kuo CY, Chan CK, Wu CY, Phan DV, Chan CL. The Short-Term Effects of Ambient Air Pollutants on Childhood Asthma Hospitalization in Taiwan: A National Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16020203. [PMID: 30642061 PMCID: PMC6351918 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16020203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This investigation determined the effects of air pollution on childhood asthma hospitalization in regions with differing air pollution levels in Taiwan over a long time period. Data of childhood hospital admissions for asthma in patients aged 0–18 years and air quality in eight regions for the period 2001–2012 in Taiwan were collected. Poisson generalized linear regression analysis was employed to identify the relative risks of hospitalization due to asthma in children associated with exposure to varying levels of air pollutants with a change in the interquartile range after adjusting for temperature and relative humidity. Particulate matter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), particulate matter ≤10 μm (PM10), ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), were positively associated with childhood asthma hospitalization, while O3 was negatively associated with childhood asthma hospitalization. SO2 was identified as the most significant risk factor. The relative risks for asthma hospitalization associated with air pollutants were higher among children aged 0–5 years than aged 6–18 years and were higher among males than females. The effects of air pollution on childhood asthma were greater in the higher-level air pollution regions, while no association was observed in the lower-level air pollution regions. These findings may prove important for policymakers involved in implementing policies to reduce air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Yen Kuo
- Department of Information Management, Yuan Ze University, 135 Yuan-Tung Road, Jung-Li, Taoyuan 320, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Administration, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, 1492 Zhongshan Road, Taoyuan Dist., Taoyuan 330, Taiwan.
| | - Chin-Kan Chan
- Department of Pediatrics, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, 1492 Zhongshan Road, Taoyuan Dist., Taoyuan 330, Taiwan.
- Department of Biotechnology, Ming Chuan University, 5 De Ming Road, Gui Shan Dist., Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
| | - Chiung-Yi Wu
- Department of Information Management, Yuan Ze University, 135 Yuan-Tung Road, Jung-Li, Taoyuan 320, Taiwan.
| | - Dinh-Van Phan
- Department of Information Management, Yuan Ze University, 135 Yuan-Tung Road, Jung-Li, Taoyuan 320, Taiwan.
- Innovation Center for Big Data and Digital Convergence, Yuan Ze University, 135 Yuan-Tung Road, Jung-Li, Taoyuan 320, Taiwan.
- University of Economics, The University of Danang, 71 Ngu Hanh Son Street, Danang 550000, Vietnam.
| | - Chien-Lung Chan
- Department of Information Management, Yuan Ze University, 135 Yuan-Tung Road, Jung-Li, Taoyuan 320, Taiwan.
- Innovation Center for Big Data and Digital Convergence, Yuan Ze University, 135 Yuan-Tung Road, Jung-Li, Taoyuan 320, Taiwan.
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Lai VWY, Bowatte G, Knibbs LD, Rangamuwa K, Young A, Dharmage S, Thien F. Residential NO 2 exposure is associated with urgent healthcare use in a thunderstorm asthma cohort. Asia Pac Allergy 2018; 8:e33. [PMID: 30402400 PMCID: PMC6209594 DOI: 10.5415/apallergy.2018.8.e33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is increasing interest in the role of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) in allergic airway diseases. Few studies investigate the relationship between TRAP exposure and acute exacerbations of asthma. Objective The 2016 Melbourne thunderstorm asthma epidemic provided an opportunity to investigate the relationship between proxies of TRAP exposure and asthma exacerbation requiring urgent healthcare in the previous 12 months. Methods Current asthmatics who presented to the 3 Emergency Departments of Melbourne's second-largest health service with epidemic thunderstorm asthma in November 2016 were identified and completed a standard questionnaire. Their residential addresses were geocoded and the annual average nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure for each patient was assigned using a validated satellite-based land use regression model. Residential distance to the nearest major road was calculated using ArcGIS. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between each TRAP proxy and healthcare use, adjusting for potential confounders. Results From 263 thunderstorm asthma patients, 88 patients identified with current asthma were analysed. Those with higher mean annual residential NO2 exposure had greater odds of urgent healthcare use in the previous year (odds ratio [OR], 3.45 per one interquartile-range increase; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31–9.10; p = 0.01), however distance from major road (OR, 0.95 per 100-m increase; 95% CI, 0.80–1.13; p = 0.57) and living <200 m from a major road (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 0.29–7.45; p = 0.64) were not significantly associated. Conclusion In current asthmatics who presented during an epidemic thunderstorm asthma event, greater exposure to residential NO2 was significantly associated with greater odds of asthma exacerbations requiring urgent healthcare in the previous 12 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Wai Yun Lai
- Monash School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Gayan Bowatte
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population & Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Luke David Knibbs
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Alan Young
- Monash School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Box Hill Hospital, Eastern Health, Box Hill, VIC, Australia
| | - Shyamali Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population & Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Francis Thien
- Monash School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Box Hill Hospital, Eastern Health, Box Hill, VIC, Australia
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11
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Masoumi K, Haddadzadeh Shoushtari M, Forouzan A, Asgari Darian A, Dastoorpoor M, Ebrahimzadeh P, Aghababaeian H. Rainfall-Associated Bronchospasm Epidemics: The Epidemiological Effects of Air Pollutants and Weather Variables. Can Respir J 2017; 2017:9252069. [PMID: 29089817 PMCID: PMC5635285 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9252069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study compares different risk factors in patients visiting a hospital during five rainfall-associated bronchospasm epidemics in Ahvaz and those visiting on other occasions. METHODS This case-control study was conducted on 5307 patients with bronchospasm admitted to the Emergency Department of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz (Iran) from late October to December (as the epidemic) and 916 patients admitted from late January to March (as the nonepidemic) in 2011 to 2015. RESULTS A total of the 41.7% of the cases and 48.8% of the controls had episodes of bronchospasm, suggesting a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001). The mean concentrations of PM10, NO, NO2, and NO x pollutants (except O3) were significantly higher in the nonepidemic periods (P < 0.05). The adjusted analysis showed a direct significant relationship between emergency respiratory admissions and each unit of increase in NO and SO2 concentration during the epidemic periods and NO2 concentration during the nonepidemic periods. During the epidemic periods, a direct and significant relationship was also observed between respiratory admissions and each unit of increase in relative humidity and evaporation. CONCLUSION The results suggest that certain pollutants and weather variables are associated with the risk of emergency respiratory admissions during epidemic periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kambiz Masoumi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Imam Khomeini General Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Maryam Haddadzadeh Shoushtari
- Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Arash Forouzan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Imam Khomeini General Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Asgari Darian
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Imam Khomeini General Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Maryam Dastoorpoor
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Pegah Ebrahimzadeh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Imam Khomeini General Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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12
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Deng Q, Lu C, Ou C, Chen L, Yuan H. Preconceptional, prenatal and postnatal exposure to outdoor and indoor environmental factors on allergic diseases/symptoms in preschool children. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 152:459-67. [PMID: 27003368 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental factors have been found to be associated with allergic diseases, but it is unclear which environmental factor during which exposure window causes what kind of allergic diseases. OBJECTIVES We investigated association between exposure to some predominant outdoor and indoor environmental factors during preconceptional, prenatal, and postnatal periods and allergic diseases/symptoms in 2598 children in China. METHODS Children's lifetime incidence of allergic diseases and current prevalence of allergic symptoms and exposure to indoor new furniture/redecoration and mold/dampness was surveyed by a questionnaire. Exposure to outdoor air pollutants was estimated by the concentrations measured at air quality monitoring stations. Multiple logistic regression model was used to evaluate the associations between outdoor air pollutants and indoor environmental factors and allergic diseases (asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema) and symptoms (wheezing, night cough, and rhinitis-like). RESULTS We found that preconceptional, prenatal, and postnatal exposure to outdoor industrial and traffic air pollutants were significantly associated with increase in the risk of childhood asthma, and also positively associated with allergic rhinitis and eczema. However, we cannot distinguish the effect of outdoor air pollutants and exposure windows because of their high correlations. New furniture was associated with eczema and allergic rhinitis during postnatal exposure, but redecoration associated with asthma and eczema during prenatal exposure. Indoor visible mold/damp stains was significant for eczema during prenatal exposure and asthma during postnatal exposure respectively, but window condensation was significant for all childhood allergic diseases during both prenatal and postnatal exposures. Allergic symptoms in children were found to be associated with exposure to indoor factors only. CONCLUSIONS Associations between outdoor air pollutants and indoor environmental factors and childhood allergic diseases/symptoms were divergent and related to the timing of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihong Deng
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Environmental Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Chan Lu
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Cuiyun Ou
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lv Chen
- School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hong Yuan
- Institute of Environmental Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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13
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Hong J, Zhong T, Li H, Xu J, Ye X, Mu Z, Lu Y, Mashaghi A, Zhou Y, Tan M, Li Q, Sun X, Liu Z, Xu J. Ambient air pollution, weather changes, and outpatient visits for allergic conjunctivitis: A retrospective registry study. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23858. [PMID: 27033635 PMCID: PMC4817244 DOI: 10.1038/srep23858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergic conjunctivitis is a common problem that significantly impairs patients’ quality of life. Whether air pollution serves as a risk factor for the development of allergic conjunctivitis remains elusive. In this paper, we assess the relationship between air pollutants and weather conditions with outpatient visits for allergic conjunctivitis. By using a time-series analysis based on the largest dataset ever assembled to date, we found that the number of outpatient visits for allergic conjunctivitis was significantly correlated with the levels of NO2, O3, and temperature, while its association with humidity was statistically marginal. No associations between PM10, PM2.5, SO2, or wind velocity and outpatient visits were seen. Subgroup analyses showed that sex seemed to modify the effects of humidity on outpatient visits for allergic conjunctivitis, but not for NO2, O3, or temperature. People younger than 40 were found to be susceptible to changes of all four parameters, while those older than 40 were only consistently affected by NO2 levels. Our findings revealed that higher levels of ambient NO2, O3, and temperature increase the chances of outpatient visits for allergic conjunctivitis. Ambient air pollution and weather changes may contribute to the worsening of allergic conjunctivitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxu Hong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye, and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 83 Road Fenyang, Shanghai, China.,Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Road Xiang'an Nan, Xiamen, China.,Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - Taoling Zhong
- Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Road Xiang'an Nan, Xiamen, China
| | - Huili Li
- Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Road Xiang'an Nan, Xiamen, China
| | - Jianming Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Meteorology and Health, 951 Road Jinxiu, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofang Ye
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Meteorology and Health, 951 Road Jinxiu, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Mu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Meteorology and Health, 951 Road Jinxiu, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye, and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 83 Road Fenyang, Shanghai, China
| | - Alireza Mashaghi
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - Ying Zhou
- Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Road Xiang'an Nan, Xiamen, China
| | - Mengxi Tan
- Department of Environmental Science, Westminster College, Fulton, MO 65251, USA
| | - Qiyuan Li
- Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Road Xiang'an Nan, Xiamen, China
| | - Xinghuai Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye, and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 83 Road Fenyang, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Myopia Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health of China, Shanghai, China
| | - Zuguo Liu
- Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Road Xiang'an Nan, Xiamen, China
| | - Jianjiang Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye, and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 83 Road Fenyang, Shanghai, China
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Tsai CH, Su MW, Lee YL. Interactions between traffic air pollution and glutathione S-transferase genes on childhood asthma. World J Respirol 2016; 6:33-41. [DOI: 10.5320/wjr.v6.i1.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate the role of glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) genetic polymorphisms potentially modifying the association between NO2 and asthma/wheeze in Taiwanese children.
METHODS: We investigated 3714 schoolchildren in Taiwan Children Health Study from 14 communities. Children’s information was measured from questionnaire by parents. The traffic air pollutant was available from Environmental Protection Administration monitoring stations.
RESULTS: A two-stage hierarchical model and a multiple logistic regression model were fitted to estimate the effects of NO2 exposures and GSTs polymorphisms on the prevalence of asthma and wheeze. Among children with GSTP1 Ile/Val or Val/Val genotypes, those residing in high-NO2 communities had significantly increased risks of asthma (OR = 1.76, 95%CI: 1.15-2.70), late-onset asthma (OR = 2.59, 95%CI: 1.24-5.41), active asthma (OR = 1.93, 95%CI: 1.05-3.57), asthma under medication (OR = 2.95, 95%CI: 1.37-6.32) and wheeze (OR = 1.54, 95%CI: 1.09-2.18) when compared with children in low-NO2 communities. Significant interactions were noted between ambient NO2 and GSTP1 on asthma, late-onset asthma, asthma under medication and wheeze (P for interaction < 0.05). However, we did not find any association with polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1.
CONCLUSION: Children under high traffic air pollution exposure are more susceptible to asthma, especially among those with GSTP1 Val allele.
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15
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Deng Q, Lu C, Norbäck D, Bornehag CG, Zhang Y, Liu W, Yuan H, Sundell J. Early life exposure to ambient air pollution and childhood asthma in China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 143:83-92. [PMID: 26453943 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early life is suggested to be a critical time in determining subsequent asthma development, but the extent to which the effect of early-life exposure to ambient air pollution on childhood asthma is unclear. OBJECTIVES We investigated doctor-diagnosed asthma in preschool children due to exposure to ambient air pollution in utero and during the first year of life. METHODS In total 2490 children aged 3-6 years participated in a questionnaire study regarding doctor-diagnosed asthma between September 2011 and January 2012 in China. Children's exposure to critical air pollutants, sulfur dioxide (SO2) as proxy of industrial air pollution, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) as proxy of traffic pollution, and particulate matter≤10µm in diameter (PM10) as a mixture, was estimated from the concentrations measured at the ambient air quality monitoring stations by using an inverse distance weighted (IDW) method. Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the relationship between early-life exposure and childhood asthma in terms of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS Association between early-life exposure to air pollutants and childhood asthma was observed. SO2 and NO2 had significant associations with adjusted OR (95% CI) of 1.45 (1.02-2.07) and 1.74 (1.15-2.62) in utero and 1.62 (1.01-2.60) and 1.90 (1.20-3.00) during the first year for per 50 µg/m(3) and 15 µg/m(3) increase respectively. Exposure to the combined high level of SO2 and NO2 in China significantly elevated the asthmatic risk with adjusted OR (95% CI) of 1.76 (1.18-2.64) in utero and 1.85 (1.22-2.79) during the first year compared to the low level exposure. The associations were higher for males and the younger children aged 3-4 than females and the older children aged 5-6. CONCLUSIONS Early-life exposure to ambient air pollution is associated with childhood asthma during which the level and source of air pollution play important roles. The high level and nature of combined industrial and traffic air pollution in China may contribute to the recent rapid increase of childhood asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihong Deng
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Environmental Health, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Chan Lu
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Sciences/Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Yinping Zhang
- School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Environmental Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Yuan
- Institute of Environmental Health, Central South University, Changsha, China; The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jan Sundell
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China; School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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16
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Aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists upregulate VEGF secretion from bronchial epithelial cells. J Mol Med (Berl) 2015; 93:1257-69. [PMID: 26076680 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-015-1304-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Chronic airway diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are characterized by airway remodeling. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a critical regulator of angiogenesis and vascular remodeling, important components of airway remodeling. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is the principle receptor for many environmental toxicants, such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), which may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, the regulatory role of AhR on the expression of VEGF in bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) remains elusive. This study was conducted to determine the role of AhR in regulating bronchial epithelial VEGF expression, which might contribute to angiogenesis of airway remodeling. The plasma VEGF levels of asthmatic patients and healthy subjects were compared. By treating HBE-135, Beas-2B, and primary human BECs with AhR agonists, the mechanisms through which AhR modulated VEGF expression in human BECs were investigated. The plasma VEGF level was significantly higher in asthmatic patients than in healthy subjects. AhR agonists significantly upregulated VEGF secretion from human BECs, which promoted the migratory and tube-forming ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The secretion of VEGF was increased via a canonical AhR pathway, followed by the 15-LOX/15-HETE/STAT3 pathway. C57BL/6JNarl mice treated with TCDD intratracheally also showed increased VEGF expression in BECs. This hitherto unrecognized pathway may provide a potential target for the treatment of airway remodeling in many pulmonary diseases, especially those related to environmental toxicants. KEY MESSAGE AhR agonists increase VEGF secretion from bronchial epithelial cells. The mechanism involves the canonical AhR pathway and 15-LOX/15-HETE/STAT3 pathway. Asthmatic patients have higher plasma VEGF level. Mice treated with intratracheal TCDD show increased VEGF expression in BECs. This novel regulatory pathway is a potential target for treating asthma and COPD.
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17
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de P Pablo-Romero M, Román R, Limón JMG, Praena-Crespo M. Effects of fine particles on children's hospital admissions for respiratory health in Seville, Spain. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2015; 65:436-444. [PMID: 25947213 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2014.1001499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study analyzes the influence of fine particles PM2.5 on nonprogrammed children's hospital admissions that occurred in the city of Seville between 2007 and 2011, and makes an economic assessment of the cost of the children's hospital admissions for respiratory causes due to particle pollution. The PM2.5 dose-response functions for each type of hospital admission were used to quantify the cost of the hospital admissions. It can be concluded that the PM2.5 concentrations have negative effects on bronchiolitis, pneumonia, asthma, and bronchitis and other causes. A reduction of the daily average annual PM2.5 concentration from the existing levels to 10 µg/m3 would show an annual average reduction of children's hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases of 0.09 cases. This paper shows that the daily average cost for children hospital admissions due to respiratory reasons in the city of Seville, associated with daily average annual levels of PM2.5 above 10 µg/m3, was almost 200€. IMPLICATIONS Elevated PM2.5 concentrations in Seville have negative effects on children's bronchiolitis, pneumonia, asthma, and bronchitis and other causes. A reduction of the daily average annual PM2.5 concentration from the existing levels to 10 μg/m3 would suppose an annual mean reduction of children's hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases of 0.09 cases.
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18
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Araújo-Martins J, Carreiro Martins P, Viegas J, Aelenei D, Cano M, Teixeira J, Paixão P, Papoila A, Leiria-Pinto P, Pedro C, Rosado-Pinto J, Annesi-Maesano I, Neuparth N. Environment and Health in Children Day Care Centres (ENVIRH) - Study rationale and protocol. REVISTA PORTUGUESA DE PNEUMOLOGIA 2014; 20:311-323. [PMID: 32288977 PMCID: PMC7110969 DOI: 10.1016/j.rppnen.2014.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 02/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indoor air quality (IAQ) is considered an important determinant of human health. The association between exposure to volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, house dust mite, molds and bacteria in day care centers (DCC) is not completely clear. The aim of this project was to study these effects. METHODS – STUDY DESIGN This study comprised two phases. Phase I included an evaluation of 45 DCCs (25 from Lisbon and 20 from Oporto, targeting 5161 children). In this phase, building characteristics, indoor CO2 and air temperature/relative humidity, were assessed. A children's respiratory health questionnaire derived from the ISAAC (International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Children) was also distributed. Phase II encompassed two evaluations and included 20 DCCs selected from phase I after a cluster analysis (11 from Lisbon and 9 from Oporto, targeting 2287 children). In this phase, data on ventilation, IAQ, thermal comfort parameters, respiratory and allergic health, airway inflammation biomarkers, respiratory virus infection patterns and parental and child stress were collected. RESULTS In Phase I, building characteristics, occupant behavior and ventilation surrogates were collected from all DCCs. The response rate of the questionnaire was 61.7% (3186 children).Phase II included 1221 children. Association results between DCC characteristics, IAQ and health outcomes will be provided in order to support recommendations on IAQ and children's health. A building ventilation model will also be developed. DISCUSSION This paper outlines methods that might be implemented by other investigators conducting studies on the association between respiratory health and indoor air quality at DCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Araújo-Martins
- CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - P. Carreiro Martins
- CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
- Serviço de Imunoalergologia, Hospital de Dona Estefânia, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, EPE, Rua Jacinta Marto, 1169-045 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - J. Viegas
- Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil, Avenida do Brasil, 101, 1700-066 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - D. Aelenei
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus da Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - M.M. Cano
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge – Lisboa, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - J.P. Teixeira
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge – Porto, Rua Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055 Oporto, Portugal
| | - P. Paixão
- CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - A.L. Papoila
- Departamento de Bioestatística e Informática, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Ceaul, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação, Hospital de Dona Estefânia, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, EPE, Rua Jacinta Marto, 1169-045 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - P. Leiria-Pinto
- CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
- Serviço de Imunoalergologia, Hospital de Dona Estefânia, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, EPE, Rua Jacinta Marto, 1169-045 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - C. Pedro
- CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - J. Rosado-Pinto
- Hospital da Luz, Avenida Lusíada, 100, 1500-650 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - I. Annesi-Maesano
- INSERM, UMR_S 1136, Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Equipe EPAR (Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases), F-75013 Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 1136, Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Equipe EPAR, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - N. Neuparth
- CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
- Serviço de Imunoalergologia, Hospital de Dona Estefânia, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, EPE, Rua Jacinta Marto, 1169-045 Lisbon, Portugal
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19
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Araújo-Martins J, Carreiro Martins P, Viegas J, Aelenei D, Cano MM, Teixeira JP, Paixão P, Papoila AL, Leiria-Pinto P, Pedro C, Rosado-Pinto J, Annesi-Maesano I, Neuparth N. Environment and Health in Children Day Care Centres (ENVIRH) - Study rationale and protocol. REVISTA PORTUGUESA DE PNEUMOLOGIA 2014; 20:311-23. [PMID: 24746462 PMCID: PMC7126211 DOI: 10.1016/j.rppneu.2014.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Revised: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indoor air quality (IAQ) is considered an important determinant of human health. The association between exposure to volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, house dust mite, molds and bacteria in day care centers (DCC) is not completely clear. The aim of this project was to study these effects. METHODS - STUDY DESIGN This study comprised two phases. Phase I included an evaluation of 45 DCCs (25 from Lisbon and 20 from Oporto, targeting 5161 children). In this phase, building characteristics, indoor CO2 and air temperature/relative humidity, were assessed. A children's respiratory health questionnaire derived from the ISAAC (International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Children) was also distributed. Phase II encompassed two evaluations and included 20 DCCs selected from phase I after a cluster analysis (11 from Lisbon and 9 from Oporto, targeting 2287 children). In this phase, data on ventilation, IAQ, thermal comfort parameters, respiratory and allergic health, airway inflammation biomarkers, respiratory virus infection patterns and parental and child stress were collected. RESULTS In Phase I, building characteristics, occupant behavior and ventilation surrogates were collected from all DCCs. The response rate of the questionnaire was 61.7% (3186 children). Phase II included 1221 children. Association results between DCC characteristics, IAQ and health outcomes will be provided in order to support recommendations on IAQ and children's health. A building ventilation model will also be developed. DISCUSSION This paper outlines methods that might be implemented by other investigators conducting studies on the association between respiratory health and indoor air quality at DCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Araújo-Martins
- CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - P Carreiro Martins
- CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal; Serviço de Imunoalergologia, Hospital de Dona Estefânia, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, EPE, Rua Jacinta Marto, 1169-045 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - J Viegas
- Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil, Avenida do Brasil, 101, 1700-066 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - D Aelenei
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus da Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - M M Cano
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge - Lisboa, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - J P Teixeira
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge - Porto, Rua Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055 Oporto, Portugal
| | - P Paixão
- CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - A L Papoila
- Departamento de Bioestatística e Informática, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Ceaul, Portugal; Centro de Investigação, Hospital de Dona Estefânia, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, EPE, Rua Jacinta Marto, 1169-045 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - P Leiria-Pinto
- CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal; Serviço de Imunoalergologia, Hospital de Dona Estefânia, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, EPE, Rua Jacinta Marto, 1169-045 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - C Pedro
- CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - J Rosado-Pinto
- Hospital da Luz, Avenida Lusíada, 100, 1500-650 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - I Annesi-Maesano
- INSERM, UMR_S 1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Equipe EPAR (Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases), F-75013 Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Equipe EPAR, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - N Neuparth
- CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal; Serviço de Imunoalergologia, Hospital de Dona Estefânia, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, EPE, Rua Jacinta Marto, 1169-045 Lisbon, Portugal
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Chen CH, Chao HJ, Chan CC, Chen BY, Guo YL. Current asthma in schoolchildren is related to fungal spores in classrooms. Chest 2014; 146:123-134. [PMID: 24676386 DOI: 10.1378/chest.13-2129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of visible mold in households is associated with asthma. However, the role of "classroom fungus" in the development of childhood asthma, as well as the fungal species that may lead to asthma, remains controversial. This nationwide school survey was conducted to investigate the correlation between fungal spores in classrooms and asthma in schoolchildren. METHODS From April to May 2011, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess allergic/asthmatic conditions in schoolchildren aged 6 to 15 years old in 44 schools across Taiwan. Personal histories and current asthmatic conditions were collected using a modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. Fungal spores in classroom were collected using a Burkard Personal Air Sampler and counted under light microscopy. Three-level hierarchical modeling was used to determine the complex correlation between fungal spores in classrooms and childhood asthma. RESULTS The survey was completed by 6,346 out of 7,154 parents (88.7%). The prevalences of physician-diagnosed asthma, current asthma, and asthma with symptoms reduced on holidays or weekends (ASROH) were 11.7%, 7.5%, and 3.1%, respectively. The geometric mean spore concentrations of total fungi, Aspergillus/Penicillium, and basidiospores were 2,181, 49, and 318 spores/m3. Aspergillus/Penicillium and basidiospores were significantly correlated with current asthma and ASROH after adjusting for personal and school factors. Of those with current asthma, 41% reported relief of symptoms during weekends. CONCLUSIONS Classroom Aspergillus/Penicillium and basidiospores are significantly associated with childhood asthma and ASROH. Government health policy should explore environmental interventions for the elimination of fungal spores in classrooms to reduce the prevalence of childhood asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Hsien Chen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicineqs, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - H Jasmine Chao
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Chuan Chan
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicineqs, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Yu Chen
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yue Leon Guo
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicineqs, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Brown SG, McCarthy MC, DeWinter JL, Vaughn DL, Roberts PT. Changes in air quality at near-roadway schools after a major freeway expansion in Las Vegas, Nevada. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2014; 64:1003-1012. [PMID: 25282997 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2014.907217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Near-roadway ambient black carbon (BC) and carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations were measured at two schools adjacent to a freeway and at an urban background school 2 km from the freeway to determine the change in concentrations attributable to vehicle emissions after the three-lane expansion of U.S. Highway 95 (US 95) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Between summer 2007 and summer 2008, average weekday small-vehicle volume increased by 40% +/- 2% (standard error). Average weekday large-vehicle volume decreased by 17% +/- 5%, due to a downturn in the economy and an associated decline in goods movement. Average vehicle speed increased from 58 to 69 mph, a 16% +/- 1% increase. The authors compared BC and CO concentrations in summer 2007 with those in summer 2008 to understand what effect the expansion of the freeway may have had on ambient concentrations: BC and CO were measured 17 m north of the freeway sound wall, CO was measured 20 m south of the sound wall, and BC was measured at an urban background site 2 km south of the freeway. Between summer 2007 and summer 2008, median BC decreased at the near-road site by 40% +/- 2% and also decreased at the urban background site by 24% +/- 4%, suggesting that much of the change was due to decreases in emissions throughout Las Vegas, rather than only on US 95. CO concentrations decreased by 14% +/- 2% and 10% +/- 3% at the two near-road sites. The decrease in BC concentrations after the expansion is likely due to the decrease in medium- and heavy-duty-vehicle traffic resulting from the economic recession. The decrease in CO concentrations may be a result of improved traffic flow, despite the increase in light-duty-vehicle traffic. Implications: Monitoring of BC and CO at near-road locations in Las Vegas demonstrated the impacts of changes in traffic volume and vehicle speed on near-road concentrations. However, urban-scale declines in concentrations were larger than near-road changes due to the impacts of the economic recession that occurred contemporaneously with the freeway expansion.
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Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulates cockroach allergen-induced immune responses through active TGFβ1 release. Mediators Inflamm 2014; 2014:591479. [PMID: 24795504 PMCID: PMC3984807 DOI: 10.1155/2014/591479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Revised: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a multifunctional regulator that senses and responds to environmental stimuli, plays a role in normal cell development and immune regulation. Recent evidence supports a significant link between environmental exposure and AhR in the development of allergic diseases. We sought to investigate whether AhR plays a role in mediating cockroach allergen-induced allergic immune responses. Methods. AhR expression in human lung fibroblasts from asthmatic and healthy individuals and in cockroach extract (CRE) treated human lung fibroblasts (WI-38) was examined. The role of AhR in modulating CRE induced TGFβ1 production was investigated by using AhR agonist, TCDD, antagonist CH122319, and knockdown of AhR. The role of latent TGFβ1 binding protein-1 (LTBP1) in mediating TCDD induced active TGFβ1 release was also examined. Results. AhR expression was higher in airway fibroblasts from asthmatic subjects as compared to healthy controls. AhR in fibroblasts was activated by TCDD with an increased expression of cyp1a1 and cyp1b1. Increased AhR expression was observed in CRE-treated fibroblasts. Importantly, CRE induced TGFβ1 production in fibroblasts was significantly enhanced by TCDD but inhibited by CH122319. Reduced TGFβ1 production was further confirmed in fibroblasts with AhR knockdown. Moreover, AhR knockdown inhibited CRE induced fibroblast differentiation. Furthermore, TCDD induced active TGFβ1 release was significantly inhibited by LTBP1 knockdown. Conclusion. These results provide evidence for the role of AhR in modulating cockroach allergen-induced immune responses through controlling the active TGFβ1 release, suggesting a possible synergistic effect between exposure to allergens and environmental chemicals on the development of allergic diseases.
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Lu S, Ren J, Hao X, Liu D, Zhang R, Wu M, Yi F, Lin J, Shinich Y, Wang Q. Characterization of protein expression of Platanus pollen following exposure to gaseous pollutants and vehicle exhaust particles. AEROBIOLOGIA 2014; 30:281-291. [PMID: 25110385 PMCID: PMC4122811 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-014-9327-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Being major ornamental street trees, species of Platanus are widely planted in the Shanghai urban area. A great deal of allergenic Platanus pollen is released from the trees and suspended in the atmosphere during its flowering season, ultimately causing allergic respiratory diseases. Few papers have focused on the distribution of this type of pollen and its expression of allergenic proteins. In order to investigate any differences in protein expression in Platanus pollen following exposure to gaseous and particulate pollutants, a special apparatus was designed. Exposure condition (such as temperature, humidity, and exposure time) of Platanus pollen and gaseous pollutants can be simulated using of this apparatus. Fresh Platanus orientalis pollen, pollutant gases (NO2, SO2, NH3), and typical urban ambient particles (vehicle exhaust particles, VEPs) were mixed in this device to examine possible changes that might occur in ambient airborne urban pollen following exposure to such pollutants. Our results showed that the fresh P. orientalis pollen became swollen, and new kinds of particles could be found on the surface of the pollen grains after exposure to the pollutants. The results of SDS-PAGE showed that five protein bands with molecular weights of 17-19, 34, 61, 82, and 144 kDa, respectively, were detected and gray scale of these brands increased after the pollen exposure to gaseous pollutants. The two-dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis demonstrated that a Platanus pollen allergenic protein (Pla a1, with a molecular weight of 18 kDa) increased in abundance following exposure to pollutant gases and VEPs, implying that air pollutants may exacerbate the allergenicity of pollen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senlin Lu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444 China
| | - Jingjin Ren
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444 China
| | - Xiaojie Hao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444 China
| | - Dingyu Liu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444 China
| | - Rongci Zhang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444 China
| | - Minghong Wu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444 China
| | - Fei Yi
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444 China
| | - Jun Lin
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201800 China
| | - Yonemochi Shinich
- Center for Environmental Science in Saitama, Saitama, 374-0115 Japan
| | - Qingyue Wang
- School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, 338-8570 Japan
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Gao Y, Chan EYY, Li L, Lau PWC, Wong TW. Chronic effects of ambient air pollution on respiratory morbidities among Chinese children: a cross-sectional study in Hong Kong. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:105. [PMID: 24484614 PMCID: PMC3914361 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The chronic health effects from exposure to ambient air pollution are still unclear. This study primarily aims to examine the relationship between long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and respiratory morbidities in Chinese children. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,203 school children aged 8-10 in three districts with different air pollution levels in Hong Kong. Annual means for ambient PM10, SO2, NO2 and O3 in each district were used to estimate participants' individual exposure. Two questionnaires were used to collect children's respiratory morbidities and other potential risk factors. Multivariable logistic regression was fitted to estimate the risks of air pollution for respiratory morbidities. RESULTS Compared to those in the low-pollution district (LPD), girls in the high-pollution district (HPD) were at significantly higher risk for cough at night (ORadj. = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.71-2.78) and phlegm without colds (ORadj. = 3.84, 95% CI: 1.74-8.47). In addition, marginal significance was reached for elevated risks for asthma, wheezing symptoms, and phlegm without colds among boys in HPD (adjusted ORs: 1.71-2.82), as well as chronic cough among girls in HPD (ORadj. = 2.03, 95% CI: 0.88-4.70). CONCLUSIONS Results have confirmed certain adverse effects on children's respiratory health from long-term exposure to ambient air pollution. PM10 may be the most relevant pollutant with adverse effects on wheezing and phlegm in boys. Both PM10 and NO2 may be contributing to cough and phlegm in girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- Department of Physical Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Emily YY Chan
- School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Liping Li
- Injury Prevention Research Center, Medical College of Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Patrick WC Lau
- Department of Physical Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tze Wai Wong
- School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Nishimura KK, Galanter JM, Roth LA, Oh SS, Thakur N, Nguyen EA, Thyne S, Farber HJ, Serebrisky D, Kumar R, Brigino-Buenaventura E, Davis A, LeNoir MA, Meade K, Rodriguez-Cintron W, Avila PC, Borrell LN, Bibbins-Domingo K, Rodriguez-Santana JR, Sen Ś, Lurmann F, Balmes JR, Burchard EG. Early-life air pollution and asthma risk in minority children. The GALA II and SAGE II studies. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2013; 188:309-18. [PMID: 23750510 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201302-0264oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Air pollution is a known asthma trigger and has been associated with short-term asthma symptoms, airway inflammation, decreased lung function, and reduced response to asthma rescue medications. OBJECTIVES To assess a causal relationship between air pollution and childhood asthma using data that address temporality by estimating air pollution exposures before the development of asthma and to establish the generalizability of the association by studying diverse racial/ethnic populations in different geographic regions. METHODS This study included Latino (n = 3,343) and African American (n = 977) participants with and without asthma from five urban regions in the mainland United States and Puerto Rico. Residential history and data from local ambient air monitoring stations were used to estimate average annual exposure to five air pollutants: ozone, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide, particulate matter not greater than 10 μm in diameter, and particulate matter not greater than 2.5 μm in diameter. Within each region, we performed logistic regression to determine the relationship between early-life exposure to air pollutants and subsequent asthma diagnosis. A random-effects model was used to combine the region-specific effects and generate summary odds ratios for each pollutant. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS After adjustment for confounders, a 5-ppb increase in average NO₂ during the first year of life was associated with an odds ratio of 1.17 for physician-diagnosed asthma (95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.31). CONCLUSIONS Early-life NO₂ exposure is associated with childhood asthma in Latinos and African Americans. These results add to a growing body of evidence that traffic-related pollutants may be causally related to childhood asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine K Nishimura
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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Lee SY, Chang YS, Cho SH. Allergic diseases and air pollution. Asia Pac Allergy 2013; 3:145-54. [PMID: 23956961 PMCID: PMC3736369 DOI: 10.5415/apallergy.2013.3.3.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of allergic diseases has been increasing rapidly, especially in developing countries. Various adverse health outcomes such as allergic disease can be attributed to rapidly increasing air pollution levels. Rapid urbanization and increased energy consumption worldwide have exposed the human body to not only increased quantities of ambient air pollution, but also a greater variety of pollutants. Many studies clearly demonstrate that air pollutants potently trigger asthma exacerbation. Evidence that transportation-related pollutants contribute to the development of allergies is also emerging. Moreover, exposure to particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide contributes to the increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. This article focuses on the current understanding of the detrimental effects of air pollutants on allergic disease including exacerbation to the development of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema as well as epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suh-Young Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea. ; Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul 110-799, Korea
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Yu HL, Yang CH, Chien LC. Spatial vulnerability under extreme events: a case of Asian dust storm's effects on children's respiratory health. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2013; 54:35-44. [PMID: 23403144 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2013.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2012] [Revised: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2013] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Asian dust storm (ADS) events have raised concerns regarding their adverse impact on human health. Whether ADS events can result in the heterogeneity of health impacts on children across space and time has not been studied. The goal of this study is to examine the spatial vulnerability impact of ADS events on children's respiratory health geographically and to analyze any patterns related to ADS episodes. From 1998 to 2007, data from both preschool children's and schoolchildren's daily respiratory clinic visits, gathered from patients located in 41 districts of Taipei City and New Taipei City, are analyzed in a Bayesian spatiotemporal model in order to investigate the interaction between spatial effects and ADS episodes. When adjusting for the temporal effect, air pollutants, and temperature, the spatial pattern explicitly varies during defined study periods: non-ADS periods, ADS periods, and post-ADS periods. Compared to non-ADS periods, the relative rate of children's respiratory clinic visits significantly reduced 0.74 to 0.99 times in most districts during ADS periods, while the relative rate rose from 1.01 to 1.11 times in more than half of districts during post-ADS periods, especially in schoolchildren. This spatial vulnerability denotes that the significantly increased relative rate of respiratory clinic visits during post-ADS periods is primarily located in highly urbanized areas for both children's populations. Hence, the results of this study suggest that schoolchildren are particularly more vulnerable to the health impacts of ADS exposure in terms of higher excessive risks over a larger spatial extent than preschool children, especially during post-ADS periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa-Lung Yu
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
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Gowers AM, Cullinan P, Ayres JG, Anderson HR, Strachan DP, Holgate ST, Mills IC, Maynard RL. Does outdoor air pollution induce new cases of asthma? Biological plausibility and evidence; a review. Respirology 2013; 17:887-98. [PMID: 22672711 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2012.02195.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that air pollution can exacerbate asthma in those who already have the condition. What is less clear is whether air pollution can contribute to the initiation of new cases of asthma. Mechanistic evidence from toxicological studies, together with recent information on genes that predispose towards the development of asthma, suggests that this is biologically plausible, particularly in the light of the current understanding of asthma as a complex disease with a variety of phenotypes. The epidemiological evidence for associations between ambient levels of air pollutants and asthma prevalence at a whole community level is unconvincing; meta-analysis confirms a lack of association. In contrast, a meta-analysis of cohort studies found an association between asthma incidence and within-community variations in air pollution (largely traffic dominated). Similarly, a systematic review suggests an association of asthma prevalence with exposure to traffic, although only in those living very close to heavily trafficked roads carrying a lot of trucks. Based on this evidence, the U.K.'s Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants recently concluded that, overall, the evidence is consistent with the possibility that outdoor air pollution might play a role in causing asthma in susceptible individuals living very close to busy roads carrying a lot of truck traffic. Nonetheless, the effect on public health is unlikely to be large: air pollutants are likely to make only a small contribution, compared with other factors, in the development of asthma, and in only a small proportion of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M Gowers
- Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Health Protection Agency, Chilton, UK.
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Proximity to major roadways is a risk factor for airway hyper-responsiveness in adults. Can Respir J 2012; 19:89-95. [PMID: 22536577 DOI: 10.1155/2012/471579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proximity to major roads is reported to be associated with asthma and airway hyper-responsiveness in children. Similar studies using objective measurements in adults are not available in Canada. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that adult asthmatic patients who live close to major roads and highways in an urban environment are at a risk of moderate to severe airway hyper-responsiveness. METHODS Airway responsiveness was determined using methacholine bronchial provocation (PC(20)) tests in a cohort of 2625 patients who attended an outpatient clinic in Hamilton, Ontario. Patient addresses were geocoded in a geographic information system to determine proximity to major roads and highways. Multivariate linear and multinomial regression analyses were used to assess whether proximity to roads was a risk factor for airway hyper-responsiveness as measured by PC(20) methacholine. RESULTS Patients who lived within 200 m of a major road had increased odds (OR 1.38 [95% CI 1.04 to 1.85]) of having moderate airway hyperresponsiveness (0.25 mg⁄mL <PC(20) <2.0 mg/mL) compared with having a normal response (PC(20) >16 mg/mL). Spatial analysis also revealed that the majority of patients with severe airway hyper-responsiveness lived within the urban core of the city while those with moderate to mild hyper-responsiveness were also dispersed in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS In an adult population of patients attending an outpatient respiratory clinic in Hamilton, living close to major roadways was associated with an increased risk of moderate airway hyper-responsiveness. This correlation suggests that exposure to traffic emissions may provoke the pathology of airway hyper-responsiveness leading to variable airflow obstruction.
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Gasana J, Dillikar D, Mendy A, Forno E, Ramos Vieira E. Motor vehicle air pollution and asthma in children: a meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2012; 117:36-45. [PMID: 22683007 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2012.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2011] [Revised: 04/27/2012] [Accepted: 05/09/2012] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma affects more than 17 million people in the United States;1/3 of these are children. Children are particularly vulnerable to airborne pollution because of their narrower airways and because they generally breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults, increasing their exposure to air pollutants. However, the results from previous studies on the association between motor vehicle emissions and the development of childhood wheeze and asthma are conflicting. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to clarify their potential relationship. METHODS MEDLINE, Highwire, and The Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between traffic air pollutants and wheeze or asthma were retrieved from individual studies and pooled to generate summary effect estimates (meta-OR) in STATA 11.1. RESULTS Nineteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide (meta-OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00-1.11), nitrous oxide (meta-OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.04), and carbon monoxide (meta-OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01-1.12) were positively associated with a higher prevalence of childhood asthma. Exposure to sulfur dioxide (meta-OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07) was positively associated with a higher prevalence of wheeze in children. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide was positively associated with a higher incidence of childhood asthma (meta-OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06-1.24), and exposures to particulate matter was positively associated with a higher incidence of wheeze in children (meta-OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.04-1.07). CONCLUSIONS Living or attending schools near high traffic density roads exposes children to higher levels of motor vehicle air pollutants, and increases the incidence and prevalence of childhood asthma and wheeze.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janvier Gasana
- South Florida Asthma Consortium, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA.
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Guo Y, Jiang F, Peng L, Zhang J, Geng F, Xu J, Zhen C, Shen X, Tong S. The association between cold spells and pediatric outpatient visits for asthma in Shanghai, China. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42232. [PMID: 22848748 PMCID: PMC3404967 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 07/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is a serious global health problem. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between cold spells and pediatric outpatient visits for asthma. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between cold spells and pediatric outpatient visits for asthma in Shanghai, China. METHODS We collected daily data on pediatric outpatient visits for asthma, mean temperature, relative humidity, and ozone from Shanghai between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2009. We defined cold spells as four or more consecutive days with temperature below the 5(th) percentile of temperature during 2007-2009. We used a Poisson regression model to examine the impact of temperature on pediatric outpatient visits for asthma in cold seasons during 2007 and 2009. We examined the effect of cold spells on asthma compared with non-cold spell days. RESULTS There was a significant relationship between cold temperatures and pediatric outpatient visits for asthma. The cold effects on children's asthma were observed at different lags. The lower the temperatures, the higher the risk for asthma attacks among children. CONCLUSION Cold temperatures, particularly cold spells, significantly increase the risk of pediatric outpatient visits for asthma. The findings suggest that asthma children need to be better protected from cold effects in winter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Guo
- School of Public Health and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Fan Jiang
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Shanghai Institute of Pediatric Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Centre, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Peng
- Shanghai Meteorological Bureau, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fuhai Geng
- Shanghai Meteorological Bureau, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianming Xu
- Shanghai Meteorological Bureau, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Xiaoming Shen
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Shanghai Institute of Pediatric Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Centre, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shilu Tong
- School of Public Health and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
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Leung TF, Ko FWS, Wong GWK. Roles of pollution in the prevalence and exacerbations of allergic diseases in Asia. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012; 129:42-7. [PMID: 22196523 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2011.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2011] [Revised: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases has been found to be increasingly rapidly, especially in developing countries. Environmental factors have been found to be important contributors to the manifestations of allergic diseases. Air pollution has been extensively studied in different regions of the world. The levels of ambient air pollutants in many Asian countries are very high when compared with those in developed Western countries. However, the prevalence of asthma was relatively low across many Asian countries. Many studies have clearly documented that environmental air pollution is an important factor resulting in exacerbations of asthma. In particular, levels of traffic-related pollutants are increasing rapidly across many Asian countries in parallel with the level of urbanization and economic development. The loss of protective factors associated with a rural environment will further contribute to the adverse effect on patients with allergic diseases such as asthma. In this review the roles of air pollution were examined in relation to the inception and exacerbations of allergic diseases in Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Fan Leung
- Department of Pediatrics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
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Association between PM₁₀ exposure and sleep of Egyptian school children. Sleep Breath 2012; 17:653-7. [PMID: 22733533 DOI: 10.1007/s11325-012-0738-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2012] [Revised: 04/30/2012] [Accepted: 06/14/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to investigate the potential association between exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <10 μm (PM10) and sleep disturbances among Egyptian school children. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, parents of school children from four elementary schools in areas with different PM10 exposures filled out the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children questionnaire in Arabic. Air pollution data were obtained from the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency. RESULTS The sample consisted of 276 children, 121 (44 %) of them were boys with a mean age of 9.26 ± 1.96 years. Disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep (DIMS), disorders of excessive somnolence, and the total score were reported in the clinical range (T score > 70) in 19.9, 24.3, and 24.3 % of the sample, respectively. A generalized additive model with adjustment for potential confounding factors was used to examine the association between PM10 exposure and sleep disturbances. There were statistically significant associations between PM10 exposure and DIMS and sleep hyperhidrosis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Air pollution exposure has a negative impact on children's sleep with significant association between exposure to PM10 and sleep disturbances.
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Association between proximity to major roads and sputum cell counts. Can Respir J 2012; 18:13-8. [PMID: 21369545 DOI: 10.1155/2011/920734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution caused by motor vehicle emissions has been associated with exacerbations of obstructive airway diseases; however, the nature of the resulting bronchitis has not been quantified. OBJECTIVE To examine whether proximity to major roads or highways is associated with an increase in sputum neutrophils or eosinophils, and to evaluate the effect of proximity to roads on spirometry and exacerbations in patients with asthma. METHODS A retrospective study of 485 sputum cell counts from patients attending a tertiary chest clinic in Hamilton, Ontario, identified eosinophilic or neutrophilic bronchitis. Patients' residences were geocoded to the street network of Hamilton using geographic information system software. Associations among bronchitis, lung function, and proximity to major roads and highways were examined using multinomial logistic and multivariate linear regression analyses adjusted for patient age, smoking status and corticosteroid medications. RESULTS Patients living within 1000 m of highways showed an increased risk of bronchitis (OR 3.8 [95% CI 1.0 to 13.7]; P<0.05), particularly neutrophilic bronchitis (OR 4.7 [95% CI 1.2 to 18.7]; P<0.05) as well as an increased risk of an asthma diagnosis (OR 1.9 [95% CI 1.0 to 3.4]; P<0.05). Patients living within 300 m of a major road were at increased risk for an asthma exacerbation (OR 1.9 [95% CI 1.5 to 15.5]; P<0.01) and lower lung function, particularly in women (P=0.036). CONCLUSION In patients with airway diseases, living close to a highway or major road was associated with neutrophilic bronchitis, an increased risk of asthma diagnosis, asthma exacerbations and lower lung function.
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The association between community stressors and asthma prevalence of school children in Winnipeg, Canada. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2012; 9:579-95. [PMID: 22470311 PMCID: PMC3315265 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph9020579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2011] [Revised: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
It is generally surmised that community stressors have an incubating effect for a variety of diagnoses on maternal and child health. This is of public health significance, as children of mothers facing long-term distress were found to have a 60% higher risk for asthma diagnosis at age 7 in Manitoba, Canada. Our objective was to determine the association of community stressors with childhood asthma prevalence in Winnipeg, Canada from participants who completed the Study of Asthma, Genes and the Environment (SAGE) survey administered in 2002–2003 to a birth cohort from 1995. Measures of community socioeconomic makeup and community disorder with rank ordinalized by quintile at the census tract level were obtained from the 1996 Canada Census. Crime data (annual incidence per 10,000 persons) by neighbourhood profile for 2001 was provided by the Winnipeg Police Service. Dichotomous caregiver report of child asthma along with other indicators from the geocoded SAGE survey allowed linkage to 23 neighbourhood profiles. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the effect of community stressors on childhood asthma prevalence for birth and non-birth home children (N = 1472) and children resident of birth homes at age 7 or 8 (N = 698). After adjusting for individual risk factors, children resident of birth homes in a high thefts over $5,000 neighbourhood profile were twice as likely (Adjusted OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.11–3.81) to have report of asthma compared to children in a lower thefts over $5,000 profile, with community thefts over $5,000 explaining over half of the observed neighbourhood variation in asthma.
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Portnov BA, Reiser B, Karkabi K, Cohen-Kastel O, Dubnov J. High prevalence of childhood asthma in Northern Israel is linked to air pollution by particulate matter: evidence from GIS analysis and Bayesian Model Averaging. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2011; 22:249-269. [PMID: 22077820 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2011.634387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The medical records of 3922 school children residing in the Greater Haifa Metropolitan Area in Northern Israel were analyzed. Individual exposure to ambient air pollution (SO(2) and PM(10)) for each child was estimated using Geographic Information Systems tools. Factors affecting childhood asthma risk were then investigated using logistic regression and the more recently developed Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) tools. The analysis reveals that childhood asthma in the study area appears to be significantly associated with particulate matter of less than 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM(10)) (Odds Ratio (OR) = .11; P<0.001). However, no significant association with asthma prevalence was found for SO(2) (P >0.2), when PM(10) and SO(2) were introduced into the models simultaneously. When considering a change in PM(10) between the least and the most polluted parts of the study area (9.4 μg/m(3)), the corresponding OR, calculated using the BMA analysis, is 2.58 (with 95% posterior probability limits of OR ranging from 1.52 to 4.41), controlled for gender, age, proximity to main roads, the town of a child's residence, and family's socio-economic status. Thus, it is concluded that exposure to airborne particular matter, even at relatively low concentrations (40-50 μg/m(3)), generally below international air pollution standards (55-70 μg/m(3)), appears to be a considerable risk factor for childhood asthma in urban areas. This should be a cause of concern for public health authorities and environmental decision-makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris A Portnov
- Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Management, University of Haifa, Israel.
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Sharkhuu T, Doerfler DL, Copeland C, Luebke RW, Gilmour MI. Effect of maternal exposure to ozone on reproductive outcome and immune, inflammatory, and allergic responses in the offspring. J Immunotoxicol 2011; 8:183-94. [PMID: 21534884 DOI: 10.3109/1547691x.2011.568978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing concern that exposure to air pollutants during pregnancy affects health outcomes in the offspring due to alterations in the development of immune and other homeostatic processes. To assess the risks of maternal inhalation exposure to ozone (O(3)), timed pregnant BALB/c mice were exposed to different concentrations of O(3) (0, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 ppm) for 4 h/day for 10 days during gestation (GD9-GD18), and pulmonary inflammation and immune responses were assessed in the offspring at 6 weeks-of-age. Maternal O(3) exposure reduced the number of productive dams by 25% at the highest O(3) concentration (1.2 ppm) and decreased the rate of weight gain in the offspring. Delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to bovine serum albumin were suppressed in the female offspring by maternal exposure to the two highest concentrations of O(3), whereas humoral immune responses to sheep red blood cells were not altered in either sex. Maternal exposure to 1.2 ppm O(3) increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of the offspring but did not affect the number of inflammatory cells or levels of total protein, IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-4 cytokines in BALF, or CD4(+), CD8(+), CD25(+), and TCRβ(+)CD1d(+) T-cells in the spleen. Offspring born from air-exposed dams sensitized early in life (postnatal day [PND] 3) to ovalbumin (OVA) antigen and then challenged as adults developed eosinophilia, elevated levels of LDH activity and total protein in BALF, and increased pulmonary responsiveness to methacholine, compared with animals sensitized at PND42. Maternal O(3) exposure in the 1.2 ppm O(3) group decreased BALF eosinophilia and serum OVA-specific IgE in the female offspring sensitized early in life but did not affect development of allergic airway inflammation by offspring sensitized late in life. In summary, maternal exposure to O(3) affected reproductive outcome and produced modest decreases in immune function and indicators of allergic lung disease in surviving offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuya Sharkhuu
- Cardiopulmonary and Immunotoxicology Branch, Environmental Public Health Division, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
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Spengler J, Lwebuga-Mukasa J, Vallarino J, Melly S, Chillrud S, Baker J, Minegishi T. Air toxics exposure from vehicle emissions at a U.S. border crossing: Buffalo Peace Bridge Study. Res Rep Health Eff Inst 2011:5-132. [PMID: 21913504 PMCID: PMC8941851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The Peace Bridge in Buffalo, New York, which spans the Niagara River at the east end of Lake Erie, is one of the busiest U.S. border crossings. The Peace Bridge plaza on the U.S. side is a complex of roads, customs inspection areas, passport control areas, and duty-free shops. On average 5000 heavy-duty diesel trucks and 20,000 passenger cars traverse the border daily, making the plaza area a potential "hot spot" for emissions from mobile sources. In a series of winter and summer field campaigns, we measured air pollutants, including many compounds considered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA*) as mobile-source air toxics (MSATs), at three fixed sampling sites: on the shore of Lake Erie, approximately 500 m upwind (under predominant wind conditions) of the Peace Bridge plaza; immediately downwind of (adjacent to) the plaza; and 500 m farther downwind, into the community of west Buffalo. Pollutants sampled were particulate matter (PM) < or = 10 microm (PM10) and < or = 2.5 microm (PM2.5) in aerodynamic diameter, elemental carbon (EC), 28 elements, 25 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including 3 carbonyls, 52 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and 29 nitrogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs). Spatial patterns of counts of ultrafine particles (UFPs, particles < 0.1 microm in aerodynamic diameter) and of particle-bound PAH (pPAH) concentrations were assessed by mobile monitoring in the neighborhood adjacent to the Peace Bridge plaza using portable instruments and Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking. The study was designed to assess differences in upwind and downwind concentrations of MSATs, in areas near the Peace Bridge plaza on the U.S. side of the border. The Buffalo Peace Bridge Study featured good access to monitoring locations proximate to the plaza and in the community, which are downwind with the dominant winds from the direction of Lake Erie and southern Ontario. Samples from the lakeside Great Lakes Center (GLC), which is upwind of the plaza with dominant winds, were used to characterize contaminants in regional air masses. On-site meteorologic measurements and hourly truck and car counts were used to assess the role of traffic on UFP counts and pPAH concentrations. The array of parallel and perpendicular residential streets adjacent to the plaza provided a grid on which to plot the spatial patterns of UFP counts and pPAH concentrations to determine the extent to which traffic emissions from the Peace Bridge plaza might extend into the neighboring community. For lake-wind conditions (southwest to northwest) 12-hour integrated daytime samples showed clear evidence that vehicle-related emissions at the Peace Bridge plaza were responsible for elevated downwind concentrations of PM2.5, EC, and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), as well as 1,3-butadiene and styrene. The chlorinated VOCs and aldehydes were not differentially higher at the downwind site. Several metals (aluminum, calcium, iron, copper, and antimony) were two times higher at the site adjacent to the plaza as they were at the upwind GLC site on lake-wind sampling days. Other metals (beryllium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, titanium, manganese, cobalt, strontium, tin, cesium, and lanthanum) showed significant increases downwind as well. Sulfur, arsenic, selenium, and a few other elements appeared to be markers for regional transport as their upwind and downwind concentrations were correlated, with ratios near unity. Using positive matrix factorization (PMF), we identified the sources for PAHs at the three fixed sampling sites as regional, diesel, general vehicle, and asphalt volatilization. Diesel exhaust at the Peace Bridge plaza accounted for approximately 30% of the PAHs. The NPAH sources were identified as nitrate (NO3) radical reactions, diesel, and mixed sources. Diesel exhaust at the Peace Bridge plaza accounted for 18% of the NPAHs. Further evidence for the impact of the Peace Bridge plaza on local air quality was found when the differences in 10-minute average UFP counts and pPAH concentrations were calculated between pairs of sites and displayed by wind direction. With winds from approximately 160 degrees through 220 degrees, UFP counts adjacent to the plaza were 10,000 to 20,000 particles/cm3 higher than those upwind of the plaza. A similar pattern was displayed for pPAH concentrations adjacent to the plaza, which were between 10 and 20 ng/m3 higher than those at the upwind GLC site. Regression models showed better correlation with traffic variables for pPAHs than for UFPs. For pPAHs, truck counts and car counts had significant positive correlations, with similar magnitudes for the effects of trucks and cars, despite lower truck counts. Examining all traffic variables, including traffic counts and counts divided by wind speed, the multivariate regression analysis had an adjusted coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.34 for pPAHs, with all terms significant at P < 0.002. Study staff members traversed established routes in the neighborhood while carrying instruments to record continuous UFP and pPAH values. They also carried a GPS, which was used to provide location-specific time-stamped data. Analyses using a geographic information system (GIS) demonstrated that emissions at the Peace Bridge plaza, at times, affected ambient air quality over several blocks (a few hundred meters). Under lake-wind conditions, overall spatial patterns in UFP and pPAH levels were similar for summer and winter and for morning and afternoon sampling sessions. The Buffalo Peace Bridge Study demonstrated that a concentration of motor vehicles resulted in elevated levels of mobile-source-related emissions downwind, to distances of 300 m to 600 m. The study provides a unique data set to assess interrelationships among MSATs and to ascertain the impact of heavy-duty diesel vehicles on air quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Spengler
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
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Lee YL, Wang WH, Lu CW, Lin YH, Hwang BF. Effects of ambient air pollution on pulmonary function among schoolchildren. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2011; 214:369-75. [PMID: 21680243 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2011.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Revised: 05/01/2011] [Accepted: 05/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Literature has shown adverse effects of ambient air pollution exposure on various asthma related outcomes in childhood. However, the associated evidence on pulmonary function effects is still inconsistent. We conducted a population-based study comprised of seventh-grade children in 14 Taiwanese communities. Pulmonary function tests and questionnaires were completed on 3957 subjects. We evaluated the effects of ambient air pollution exposures based on the data collected in 2005-2007 by existing air monitoring stations. Multiple linear mixed effect models were fitted to estimate the relationship between community pollutant levels and pulmonary function indices. After adjustment for individual-level confounders, pulmonary function differed only slightly between communities with different levels of air pollution. We found greater effects of ambient air pollutants on pulmonary function for boys than for girls. Among boys, traffic-related pollutants CO, NOx, NO(2), and NO were generally associated with chronic adverse effects on FVC and FEV(1), and subchronic adverse effects mainly on maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) and peak expiratory flow rate. Among girls, only NOx and NO(2) showed subchronic adverse effects on MMEF. Although effect estimates of SO(2), PM(10), and PM(2.5) were generally negative for boys, none achieved statistical significance. Our data suggests that ambient traffic-related pollution had chronic adverse effects on pulmonary function in schoolchildren, especially for boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yungling Leo Lee
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Mazzoli-Rocha F, Fernandes S, Einicker-Lamas M, Zin WA. Roles of oxidative stress in signaling and inflammation induced by particulate matter. Cell Biol Toxicol 2010; 26:481-98. [PMID: 20340042 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-010-9158-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2009] [Accepted: 03/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review reports the role of oxidative stress in impairing the function of lung exposed to particulate matter (PM). PM constitutes a heterogeneous mixture of various types of particles, many of which are likely to be involved in oxidative stress induction and respiratory diseases. Probably, the ability of PM to cause oxidative stress underlies the association between increased exposure to PM and exacerbations of lung disease. Mostly because of their large surface area, ultrafine particles have been shown to cause oxidative stress and proinflammatory effects in different in vivo and in vitro studies. Particle components and surface area may act synergistically inducing lung inflammation. In this vein, reactive oxygen species elicited upon PM exposure have been shown to activate a number of redox-responsive signaling pathways and Ca(2+) influx in lung target cells that are involved in the expression of genes that modulate relevant responses to lung inflammation and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Mazzoli-Rocha
- Laboratório de Fisiologia da Respiração, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
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Durant JL, Ash CA, Wood EC, Herndon SC, Jayne JT, Knighton WB, Canagaratna MR, Trull JB, Brugge D, Zamore W, Kolb CE. Short-term variation in near-highway air pollutant gradients on a winter morning. ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS 2010; 10:5599-5626. [PMID: 22427751 PMCID: PMC3304588 DOI: 10.5194/acpd-10-5599-2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Quantification of exposure to traffic-related air pollutants near highways is hampered by incomplete knowledge of the scales of temporal variation of pollutant gradients. The goal of this study was to characterize short-term temporal variation of vehicular pollutant gradients within 200-400 m of a major highway (>150 000 vehicles/d). Monitoring was done near Interstate 93 in Somerville (Massachusetts) from 06:00 to 11:00 on 16 January 2008 using a mobile monitoring platform equipped with instruments that measured ultrafine and fine particles (6-1000 nm, particle number concentration (PNC)); particle-phase (>30 nm) [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and organic compounds; volatile organic compounds (VOCs); and CO(2), NO, NO(2), and O(3). We observed rapid changes in pollutant gradients due to variations in highway traffic flow rate, wind speed, and surface boundary layer height. Before sunrise and peak traffic flow rates, downwind concentrations of particles, CO(2), NO, and NO(2) were highest within 100-250 m of the highway. After sunrise pollutant levels declined sharply (e.g., PNC and NO were more than halved) and the gradients became less pronounced as wind speed increased and the surface boundary layer rose allowing mixing with cleaner air aloft. The levels of aromatic VOCs and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and organic aerosols were generally low throughout the morning, and their spatial and temporal variations were less pronounced compared to PNC and NO. O(3) levels increased throughout the morning due to mixing with O(3)-enriched air aloft and were generally lowest near the highway reflecting reaction with NO. There was little if any evolution in the size distribution of 6-225 nm particles with distance from the highway. These results suggest that to improve the accuracy of exposure estimates to near-highway pollutants, short-term (e.g., hourly) temporal variations in pollutant gradients must be measured to reflect changes in traffic patterns and local meteorology.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. L. Durant
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - C. A. Ash
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - E. C. Wood
- Aerodyne Research Inc., Billerica, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - J. B. Trull
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - D. Brugge
- School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - W. Zamore
- Mystic View Task Force, Somerville, MA, USA
| | - C. E. Kolb
- Aerodyne Research Inc., Billerica, MA, USA
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Arnedo-Pena A, García-Marcos L, Urueña IC, Monge RB, Suárez-Varela MM, Canflanca IM, Garrido JB, Quirós AB, López-Silvarrey Varela Á, Hernández GG, Ontoso IA, Díaz CG. Air Pollution and Recent Symptoms of Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, and Atopic Eczema in Schoolchildren Aged Between 6 and 7 Years. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1579-2129(09)72152-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Oftedal B, Nystad W, Brunekreef B, Nafstad P. Long-term traffic-related exposures and asthma onset in schoolchildren in oslo, norway. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2009; 117:839-44. [PMID: 19478970 PMCID: PMC2685850 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.11491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2008] [Accepted: 01/30/2009] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether there is a causal relation between long-term exposure to traffic and asthma development is so far not clear. This may be explained by inaccurate exposure assessment. OBJECTIVE We investigated the associations of long-term traffic-related exposures with asthma onset assessed retrospectively and respiratory symptoms in 9- to 10-year-old children. METHODS We collected information on respiratory outcomes and potential confounding variables by parental questionnaire in 2,871 children in Oslo. Nitrogen dioxide exposure was assessed by the EPISODE dispersion model and assigned at updated individual addresses during lifetime. Distance to major road was assigned at birth address and address by date of questionnaire. Cox proportional hazard regression and logistic regression were used. RESULTS We did not find positive associations between any long-term traffic-related exposure and onset of doctor-diagnosed asthma. An interquartile range (IQR) increase of NO(2) exposure before asthma onset was associated with an adjusted risk ratio of 0.82 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.67-1.02]. Handling early asthma cases (children < 4 years of age) with recovery during follow-up as noncases gave a less negative association. The associations for late asthma onset (>/= 4 years of age) were positive but not statistically significant. For current symptoms, an IQR increase of previous year's NO(2) exposure was associated with adjusted odds ratios of 1.01 (95% CI, 0.83-1.23) for wheeze, 1.10 (95% CI, 0.79-1.51) for severe wheeze, and 1.01 (95% CI, 0.84-1.21) for dry cough. CONCLUSIONS We were not able to find positive associations of long-term traffic-related exposures with asthma onset or with current respiratory symptoms in 9- to 10-year-old children in Oslo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bente Oftedal
- Division of Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
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Arnedo-Pena A, García-Marcos L, Carvajal Urueña I, Busquets Monge R, Morales Suárez-Varela M, Miner Canflanca I, Batlles Garrido J, Blanco Quirós A, López-Silvarrey Varela A, García Hernández G, Aguinaga Ontoso I, González Díaz C. [Air pollution and recent symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic eczema in schoolchildren aged between 6 and 7 years]. Arch Bronconeumol 2009; 45:224-9. [PMID: 19371994 DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2008.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2008] [Revised: 10/01/2008] [Accepted: 10/20/2008] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to analyze the relationship between air pollutants and the prevalence of recent symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic eczema in schoolchildren aged between 6 and 7 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS The prevalence of recent (previous 12 months) symptoms of allergic diseases was obtained by means of the questionnaire of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), Spain, with the participation of 7 centers (Asturias, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cartagena, La Coruña, Madrid, and Valencia) and 20 455 schoolchildren aged between 6 and 7 years, from 2002 to 2003. The pollutant detection systems of the aforementioned centers provided the mean annual concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and total suspended particulate matter. RESULTS The annual average concentration of SO2 showed a significant association with a higher prevalence of recent severe asthma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] between level-1 and level-3 pollution, 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.73), rhinitis (aOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.39-1.75), and rhinoconjunctivitis (aOR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.45-2.00). The annual average concentration of CO was associated with a higher prevalence of rhinitis (aOR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.34-2.04), rhinoconjunctivitis (aOR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.31-2.37), and eczema (aOR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.17-2.04). The annual average concentration for NO2 and total suspended particulate matter showed inverse associations with the prevalence of nocturnal dry cough. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that air pollutants such as SO2 and CO increase the risk of recent symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis in schoolchildren aged between 6 and 7 years in Spain.
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Association between media alerts of air quality index and change of outdoor activity among adult asthma in six states, BRFSS, 2005. J Community Health 2009; 34:40-6. [PMID: 18821001 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-008-9126-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Media alerts of air quality index (AQI) were designed to inform the public the need to avoid harmful air pollution by changing their outdoor activities. The relationship between AQI media alerts and change in outdoor activities among people with asthma is unknown. Our objective is to examine this relationship. Data were analyzed in a cross-sectional study from 33,888 adults, in six states, who responded to the questions in the 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) about reductions/changes in outdoor activity. The prevalence of change in outdoor activity due to media alerts was 31% among adults with lifetime asthma and 16% without asthma. The prevalence of outdoor activity change increased to 75% among those with lifetime asthma and to 68% without asthma, when the combined the effects of media alerts and individual perception were examined. The odds of activity change based on the media alerts was 2.30 (Adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.16, 95% Confidence interval [CI]: 1.61, 2.90) among those with lifetime asthma and 1.72 (aO R = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.50, 1.98) without asthma, compared to those unaware of media alerts, after adjustment for demographic variables and covariates. This study shows that awareness of media alerts as well as health professional advice may be associated with reported changes in outdoor activities. Therefore, along with consistent efforts to improve the air quality, government agencies, health professionals, and community leaders should implement measures to effectively inform the public about air quality and educate them to take appropriate actions accordingly.
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Annesi-Maesano I, Caillaud D, Lavaud F, Moreau D, Le Moullec Y, Taytard A, Pauli G, Charpin D. [Exposure to fine air particles and occurrence of allergic diseases: results of ISAAC-France phase 2]. Arch Pediatr 2009; 16:299-305. [PMID: 19211233 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2008.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate whether fine air particles could be involved in the occurrence of atopy and allergic diseases, we performed a cross-sectional epidemiological survey involving primary schoolchildren living in six French towns with contrasted air pollution levels. Air pollution was measured during a week in the school yards and by standard air monitoring networks. Children get an examination in school looking for atopic dermatitis and bronchial hyperresponsiveness assessed by a standardized run test. Besides, parents or guardians provided past medical history and environmental data, especially on passive smoking. Overall, 5,338 children, aged 10.4 (+/-0.7) years, coming from 108 different schools and 401 different classes were included in the survey. Taking into account potential confounders, high exposure to proximity PM(2.5) was linked to a higher point prevalence of atopic dermatitis and hyperresponsiveness, to a higher cumulative prevalence of allergic asthma and a higher sensitization rate to common indoor allergens. Thus, these data suggest that chronic exposure to urban fine particles could be a risk factor for atopy, hyperresponsiveness and asthma.
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Liao PF, Sun HL, Lu KH, Lue KH. Prevalence of childhood allergic diseases in central Taiwan over the past 15 years. Pediatr Neonatol 2009; 50:18-25. [PMID: 19326834 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-9572(09)60025-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic eczema in children from the developed and developing countries has been increasing. METHODS Three epidemiological surveys of the prevalence of bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic eczema in schoolchildren in Taichung, located in central Taiwan, were conducted in 1987, 1994, and 2002. The first questionnaire was used before the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) written questionnaire was developed; the last two surveys were modified using ISAAC questionnaires. RESULTS A total of 37,801, 75,960, and 11,580 children were studied in 1987, 1994 and 2002, respectively. The prevalence of allergic diseases had increased in the past two decades. Results indicate that the prevalence of bronchial asthma had risen, from 2.19% in 1987, and 3.54% in 1994, to 6.99% in 2002. Regardless of sex, the prevalence of bronchial asthma decreased with increasing age. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 5.1% in 1987, 12.46% in 1987, and 27.59% in 2002, and the prevalence of atopic eczema was 1.10% in 1987, 1.88% in 1994, and 3.35% in 2002. CONCLUSION There has been a significant increase in the prevalence of bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis in Taichung schoolchildren from 1987 to 2002.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Fen Liao
- Division of Allergy, Asthma and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Lin S, Liu X, Le LH, Hwang SA. Chronic exposure to ambient ozone and asthma hospital admissions among children. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2008; 116:1725-30. [PMID: 19079727 PMCID: PMC2599770 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.11184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2007] [Accepted: 09/10/2008] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between chronic exposure to air pollution and adverse health outcomes has not been well studied. OBJECTIVE This project investigated the impact of chronic exposure to high ozone levels on childhood asthma admissions in New York State. METHODS We followed a birth cohort born in New York State during 1995-1999 to first asthma admission or until 31 December 2000. We identified births and asthma admissions through the New York State Integrated Child Health Information System and linked these data with ambient ozone data (8-hr maximum) from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. We defined chronic ozone exposure using three indicators: mean concentration during the follow-up period, mean concentration during the ozone season, and proportion of follow-up days with ozone levels > 70 ppb. We performed logistic regression analysis to adjust for child's age, sex, birth weight, and gestational age; maternal race/ethnicity, age, education, insurance status, smoking during pregnancy, and poverty level; and geographic region, temperature, and co-pollutants. RESULTS Asthma admissions were significantly associated with increased ozone levels for all chronic exposure indicators (odds ratios, 1.16-1.68), with a positive dose-response relationship. We found stronger associations among younger children, low sociodemographic groups, and New York City residents as effect modifiers. CONCLUSION Chronic exposure to ambient ozone may increase the risk of asthma admissions among children. Younger children and those in low socioeconomic groups have a greater risk of asthma than do other children at the same ozone level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao Lin
- Center for Environmental Health, New York State Department of Health, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
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Haymes K, Hester S, Benson W, McClintock J. Potential Use of Microarray Technology at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Genomics 2008. [DOI: 10.3109/9781420067064-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Lee YL, Gilliland FD, Wang JY, Lee YC, Guo YL. Associations of FcɛRIβ E237G polymorphism with wheezing in Taiwanese schoolchildren. Clin Exp Allergy 2008; 38:413-20. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2007.02916.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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