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Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Elevated ambient air zinc increases pediatric asthma morbidity
Jon Mark Hirshon1, Michelle Shardell, Steven Alles
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. jhirs001@umaryland.edu
Environmental Health Perspectives
|June 19, 2008
Summary
High levels of airborne fine particulate matter with zinc are linked to increased emergency visits for childhood asthma. This study highlights the impact of air quality on pediatric respiratory health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) composition is linked to cardiovascular and respiratory disease hospitalizations.
- Ambient zinc in PM2.5 may exacerbate allergic and inflammatory responses, worsening pulmonary function.
- Limited data exists on the association between ambient zinc levels and asthma-related healthcare utilization in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between outdoor ambient air PM2.5 zinc levels and urgent healthcare utilization for childhood asthma.
- To assess the impact of urban air quality on pediatric respiratory health.
Main Methods:
- A time-series study design was employed to analyze data from Baltimore, Maryland.
- Daily administrative claims for emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions for asthma in children (0-17 years) were used.
- Ambient air PM2.5 metal concentration data, including zinc, were collected during the Baltimore Supersite project.
Main Results:
- Elevated previous-day ambient air PM2.5 zinc levels (8.63-20.76 ng/m3) were associated with a 1.23-fold increased risk of pediatric asthma exacerbations.
- This association remained significant after controlling for time-varying confounders.
- Low previous-day zinc levels (<8.63 ng/m3) served as the reference group.
Conclusions:
- High ambient air PM2.5 zinc levels are associated with increased ED visits and hospital admissions for childhood asthma.
- Findings suggest a link between specific air pollutant components and pediatric respiratory exacerbations.
- Urban air quality, particularly zinc levels, may be a critical factor in managing childhood asthma.
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