Respiratory health problems in adolescents living near main roads in the Upper Silesian industrial zone, Poland
Objectives This study explores the association between self-reported exposure to traffic-related air pollution and respiratory health symptoms, as well as lung functions and skin prick tests in adolescents living in the vicinity of main roads. Material and Methods The data in the study were acquire...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine
2019-07-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.journalssystem.com/ijomeh/Respiratory-health-problems-in-adolescents-living-near-main-road-in-Upper-Silesian,108603,0,2.html |
| Summary: | Objectives
This study explores the association between self-reported exposure to traffic-related air pollution and respiratory health symptoms, as well
as lung functions and skin prick tests in adolescents living in the vicinity of main roads.
Material and Methods
The data in the study were acquired
using a cross-sectional study conducted between 2004–2005 in Chorzów (Silesia, Poland) among adolescents (N = 936) aged 13–15 years, attending junior
high schools. Adverse respiratory health symptoms and exposure to traffic-related air pollution were determined on the basis of a questionnaire.
Moreover, all children underwent spirometry and skin prick tests. Multivariable logistic regression with multiple imputation for missing data was
used to assess the prevalence of adverse respiratory symptoms in relation to self-reported exposure to traffic-related air pollution, adjusted for socioeconomic
and environmental factors.
Results
Among respiratory tract diseases, asthma and allergic rhinitis associations were statistically significant
(OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.12–4.15 and OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.08–2.64, respectively). Likewise, among respiratory disorders, statistically significant associations
were found in the case of wheezes and dyspnea attack (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.10–2.26 and OR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.56–3.66, respectively), with
respect to the vicinity of the main road. Living in the area with high traffic intensity was statistically significantly associated with a higher prevalence of
asthma and wheezes (OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.22–4.39 and 1.48, 95% CI: 1.09–2.01, respectively). The results obtained did not confirm the relationship
between the adopted way of exposure to traffic-related air pollution and lung function indices or skin prick tests.
Conclusions
Results of the study
suggest that children living in the area with intense traffic are more likely to develop respiratory disorders. Moreover, the vicinity of a main road as
well as traffic intensity could be suitable in assessing the relationship between road transport and potential health problems among exposed inhabitants. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(4):553–67 |
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| ISSN: | 1232-1087 1896-494X |