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Urinary Volatile Organic Compound Metabolites Are Associated with Reduced Lung Function in U.S. Children and

Angelico Mendy1, Sara Burcham1, Ashley L Merianos2

  • 1Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.

Toxics
|April 26, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Exposure to common indoor pollutants like acrylamide, styrene, and propylene oxide may negatively impact children's lung function. This study reveals novel associations between specific volatile organic compound (VOC) metabolites and reduced lung capacity in young individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are prevalent indoor air pollutants.
  • Inhalation is a primary exposure route for VOCs.
  • The impact of many VOCs on pediatric lung function remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between urinary VOC metabolites and lung function in children and adolescents.
  • To identify specific VOCs that may negatively affect respiratory health in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 505 participants aged 6-17 years from the 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
  • Utilized multiple linear regression models to assess relationships between VOC metabolites and spirometry outcomes.
  • Adjusted for relevant covariates in statistical analyses.

Main Results:

  • Urinary metabolites of acrylamide, styrene, propylene oxide, 1-bromopropane, and crotonaldehyde were detected in a majority of participants.
  • Higher levels of acrylamide and styrene metabolites were associated with lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) % predicted.
  • Elevated propylene oxide metabolites correlated with a reduced FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio.
  • Significant interactions were observed for crotonaldehyde (in overweight/obese children) and 1-bromopropane (in children with higher cotinine levels) with lung function parameters.

Conclusions:

  • Novel associations were identified between specific VOC metabolites (acrylamide, propylene oxide, styrene, 1-bromopropane, crotonaldehyde) and diminished lung function in children and adolescents.
  • Findings highlight potential risks of indoor VOCs to pediatric respiratory health.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate mechanisms and inform public health interventions.

Keywords:
children respiratory healthenvironmental exposuresurinary metabolitesvolatile organic compounds

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