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Airborne particulates and asthma: a Maine case study
Samantha J Langley-Turnbaugh1, Nancy R Gordon, Thomas Lambert
1Department of Environmental Science, University of Southern Maine, Gorham, ME 04038, USA. Langley@usm.maine.edu
Toxicology and Industrial Health
|July 1, 2005
Summary
Rising asthma rates in Maine may be linked to metal ions in air pollution. Particulate matter (PM10) contained metals like Vanadium and Nickel, with higher levels in urban areas, potentially worsening asthma. Further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Maine experiences a rapidly increasing asthma prevalence, affecting 9.4% of adults and 1 in 8 children.
- Biologically soluble metal ions in particulate matter (PM10) are suspected contributors to asthma exacerbations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate geographic and temporal trends of asthma hospitalizations in Maine.
- To analyze the metal content and biological solubility of PM10 and soil samples in relation to asthma patterns.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of clinical asthma hospitalization data for temporal and geographic trends.
- Collection and analysis of PM10 and soil samples from three Maine locations (2000-2001).
- Quantification of 10 metals in PM10 and soils using acid extraction and biological solubility tests (DMEM/F12+CCS).
Main Results:
- Asthma hospitalizations peaked in fall, with lower peaks in winter/spring and a summer low; urban areas had higher admission rates.
- Maine PM10 samples contained Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Vanadium (V), Nickel (Ni), and Aluminum (Al).
- Vanadium, Nickel, and Lead showed seasonal variation in PM10; urban areas had higher metal concentrations. Only Copper in soil was biologically available. PM10 likely originated from non-local sources.
Conclusions:
- Asthma hospitalization patterns in Maine exhibit distinct seasonal and geographic variations.
- Specific metals (V, Ni, Pb) in PM10 fluctuate seasonally, potentially linked to asthma triggers.
- The study suggests that non-local PM10, containing various metals, may contribute to the rising asthma rates in Maine, particularly in urban environments.