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Residential outdoor air pollution and lung function in schoolchildren
Bente Oftedal1, Bert Brunekreef, Wenche Nystad
1Division of Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway. bente.oftedal@fhi.no
Childhood exposure to traffic-related air pollution, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), is linked to reduced lung function, particularly in girls. Long-term exposure showed stronger associations than short-term effects.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Individual-level assessment of long-term outdoor air pollution exposure is needed, moving beyond aggregate estimations.
- Investigated associations between residential air pollution in early life, total lifetime, and days preceding lung function tests.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of residential outdoor air pollution on lung function in children.
- To differentiate between early-life, lifetime, and short-term pollution exposures.
Main Methods:
- Spirometry performed on 2307 children (9-10 years old) in Oslo, Norway.
- Air pollution (NO2, PM10, PM2.5) exposure modeled using the EPISODE dispersion model.
- Linear regression analysis stratified by sex.
Main Results:
- Early and lifetime exposures to NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 were associated with reduced peak expiratory flow and forced expiratory flow (FEF25, FEF50), especially in girls.
- One interquartile increase in lifetime NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 exposure correlated with significant decreases in peak respiratory flow.
- Long-term NO2 exposure effects persisted when short-term effects were considered; socioeconomic factors attenuated associations.
Conclusions:
- Residential exposure to traffic-related pollutants is linked to diminished lung function (PEF, FEF25, FEF50) in children.
- Effects were more pronounced in girls, and long-term exposure was a significant factor.
- Socioeconomic context modified the observed associations between air pollution and lung function.
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