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The association between ethylene oxide exposure and asthma risk: a population-based study
Ziye Li1,2,3, Pingfan Shi2,3, Zhibo Chen4
1Shanghai Clinical College, Anhui Medical University, Shanghai, 200072, China.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|November 5, 2022
Summary
Exposure to ethylene oxide (EO) is linked to an increased risk of developing asthma. This study found higher EO exposure, measured by hemoglobin adducts, correlated with a greater likelihood of asthma in the US population.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Ethylene oxide (EO) is a reactive epoxide with known toxic properties.
- The association between EO exposure and asthma risk in humans remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between EO exposure and the risk of developing asthma in the general US population.
- To explore potential biological mechanisms, such as inflammation, linking EO exposure to asthma.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study utilizing National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (2013-2016) from 2542 participants.
- Ethylene oxide exposure assessed via hemoglobin adducts of EO (HbEO) levels.
- Logistic regression, restricted cubic spline functions, mediation, and linear regression analyses were employed.
Main Results:
- Increased HbEO levels were significantly associated with a higher risk of asthma onset (OR=1.960 for highest vs. lowest quartile, P=0.003).
- Adjusted analyses confirmed this association (OR=1.991, P=0.001).
- EO levels positively correlated with inflammatory markers: white blood cell count (P=0.006), lymphocyte count (P=0.015), and neutrophil count (P=0.015).
Conclusions:
- A positive correlation exists between ethylene oxide exposure levels and asthma risk in a representative US population.
- Inflammatory response may be a key biological mechanism mediating EO-induced asthma.
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