Abstract
Deleterious effects of air pollution on human health have been observed, including increases in respiratory symptoms and decreases in lung function. Few studies in Brazil have investigated this association in asthmatic children and there is no study in those regions. The aim of this study was evaluating the influence of air pollution on lung function in children.
Methods
Panel study with longitudinal assessment for 12 months of exposure to air pollutants and their effects on lung function in children living in Santos, Cubatão and Presidente Prudente. Data were obtained from monthly spirometry and information on air quality through Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo. Models of equations for generalized estimates were adopted to analyze the effects of the exposure to air pollution on respiratory function, controlled for temperature and humidity.
Results
The concentration of PM10 did not exceed the values established as standard for the state of São Paulo (120μg/m3) during the study. In spirometry, the main parameter for characterization of bronchial obstruction is FEV1/CVF. In Santos, it was observed that the increase of 13.35 μg/m3 of PM10 led to a significant reduction of FEV1/CVF on the day and seven days after exposure, with greatest effect in lag 5 (-21.45% (95% CI: -7.34; -35.56) in asthmatics. In Presidente Prudente it was found a significant reduction of FEV1/CVF on the day and on the seven days after exposure to PM10 (-78.22% (95% CI: 55.68-100.75)). In Cubatão, it was observed a significant reduction of FEV1/CVF on the day, the first, third, fourth and seventh day after exposure of PM10, (lag 4 -54.75% (95% CI: -22.09; -87.41)). In the non-asthmatics group no significant reductions were observed in any of the locations.
Conclusions
Although the pollution levels remained within the air quality standards for the State of São Paulo, children with asthma presented significant reductions in lung function after exposure to the pollutants.
Key messages
Susceptible groups must be the main concern on air pollution adverse health effects studies. Efforts to reduce air pollution in Brazil can not be abandoned, once it remains affecting public health.
Air pollution and lung function among susceptible adult subjects: a panel study