Premium
Effects of air pollution on the respiratory tract of children.
Author(s) -
Schmitzberger R.,
Rhomberg K.,
Büchele H.,
Puchegger R.,
SchmitzbergerNatzmer D.,
Kemmler G.,
Panosch B.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
pediatric pulmonology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.866
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1099-0496
pISSN - 8755-6863
DOI - 10.1002/ppul.1950150203
Subject(s) - medicine , asthma , respiratory tract , respiratory system , vital capacity , pulmonary function testing , environmental health , respiratory disease , air pollution , lung volumes , lung function , lung , diffusing capacity , chemistry , organic chemistry
The effects of air pollution on pulmonary function and respiratory status was evaluated in 1,626 school aged children from a European Alpine region. Based on measurements of SO 2 , NO 2 and O 3 as well as infrared imaging and lichen mapping, three zones of exposure were defined. Results of standardized respiratory questionnaires, medical examinations, and lung function tests were compared among the children in the three different exposure zones. After controlling for age, sex, height, socioeconomic status, and exposure to environmental tobacco smoking, areas of increased SO 2 and NO 2 as well as areas of increased ozone (max. half hourly mean value, 146 ppb) were significantly associated with decrements of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1 ) and flow rates at 50 and 75% of vital capacity (FEF 50 FEF 75 ). In addition, areas with increased ozone had a higher prevalence of asthma In all regions, maternal smoking was associated with reduced expiratory flow rates and increased prevalence of asthma. The results provide evidence that outdoor pollution and exposure to passive smoking are risk factors for childhood respiratory health. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.