Respiratory health assessment and exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Mexican indigenous population

Indoor air pollution is an important risk factor for the generation of lung diseases in developing countries. The indigenous population is particularly susceptible to be exposed to the mixture of pollutants from the biomass burning, among them, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The objective of this study was to assess respiratory health and exposure to PAHs in indigenous populations of the Huasteca Potosina in Mexico. The urinary metabolite 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) was evaluated by HPLC with fluorescence detector, the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) and the FEV₁/FVC ratio (forced vital capacity) by spirometry in the Teenek indigenous adult population of the communities from Tocoy (TOC), Xolol (XOL), and Tanjajnec (TAN). A total of 134 subjects participated in the study: 64 from TOC, 30 from XOL, and 40 from TAN; in all the communities, high percentages of overweight and obesity were presented (from 50 to 73%). The average hours of firewood usage per year were 281.06, 284.6, and 206.6 in TOC, XOL, and TAN, respectively. The average of the three communities of the % FEV₁ post-bronchodilator was 86.1%. There were identified from 4.5 to 6.6% and from 12.5 to 15.5% of spirometric obstructive and restrictive patterns respectively, in all communities. The highest exposure levels reported as median were found in TOC (1.15 μmol/mol of creatinine) followed by TAN (0.94 μmol/mol of creatinine) and XOL (0.65 μmol/mol of creatinine). Considering the magnitude of the indigenous population exposed to pollutants from the biomass burning and the possible effects on respiratory health, it is important to design strategies that mitigate exposure and evaluate the effectiveness through biological monitoring and effects.