Air pollution during infancy and lung function development into adolescence: The GINIplus/LISA birth cohorts study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Limited research exists on the long-term effects of early-life air pollution exposure on lung function development into adolescence.
• Understanding these impacts is crucial for public health initiatives and pediatric respiratory care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between air pollution exposure during the first year of life and lung function development up to age 15 in Germany.
• To quantify the impact of specific air pollutants on lung function parameters like FEV1 and FVC.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 915 children in the GINIplus and LISA birth cohorts with spirometric measurements at ages 6, 10, and 15.
• Estimated annual average air pollutant concentrations (NO2, PM2.5, PM10, PMcoarse) during infancy using land-use regression models.
• Employed multivariable linear mixed models to assess associations between infancy exposure and lung function changes, adjusting for confounders.

Main Results:

• Increased exposure to PM2.5 and PMcoarse during infancy was associated with annual declines in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) z-scores.
• Declines in forced vital capacity (FVC) were observed but were less pronounced than FEV1 changes.
• Effect estimates were higher for children with asthma, older maternal age, and shorter breastfeeding duration.

Conclusions:

• Higher air pollution exposure in infancy may impair lung function development through adolescence, particularly affecting airway size.
• Findings suggest that early-life air quality is a significant factor in respiratory health trajectories.
• Further research into modifying effects of maternal age, asthma status, and breastfeeding is warranted.