Lung Function, Airway Inflammation, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Exposure in Mexican Schoolchildren

Abstract

Objective To determine the association of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with lung function and pH of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) in Mexican schoolchildren. Methods A pilot study was performed in a subsample of 64 schoolchildren from Mexico City. Lung function and pH of EBC were measured and metabolites of PAHs in urine samples were determined. The association was analyzed using robust regression models. Results A 10% increase in the concentrations of 2-hydroxyfluorene was significantly negatively associated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (−11.2 mL, 95% CI: −22.2 to −0.02), forced vital capacity (−11.6 mL, 95% CI: −22.9 to −0.2), and pH of EBC (−0.035, 95% CI: −0.066 to −0.005). Conclusion Biomarkers of PAHs exposure were inversely associated with lung function and decrease of ph of EBC as a marker of airway inflammation in Mexican schoolchildren.

Chimney sweeps in Sweden: a questionnaire-based assessment of long-term changes in work conditions, and current eye and airway symptoms

“…The POR estimated the risk of a specific symptom with a 10% increase of the work task. We focused primarily on black-soot-sweeping in private homes and industrial settings, since black soot particles have been associated with airway diseases (Barraza-Villarreal et al 2014; Nwokoro et al 2012; Suresh et al 2009). Potential confounders (age, smoking, and use of mask) were included in the analysis due to their potential role in developing or preventing symptoms of interest (Supplementary Table 6).…”

Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, vitamin D, and lung function in children with asthma

“…23 Our results for urinary ∑mol3,4-PAH and childhood asthma are consistent with those of prior studies showing that urinary PAH metabolites such as phenanthrene are associated with asthma or wheeze in U.S. children. [9][10][11]24 Prenatal exposure to airborne PAH has been associated with increased benzo[a]pyrene-DNAs adducts, reduced expression of interferon-ɣ, and changes in DNA methylation in cord blood that have been ultimately linked to childhood asthma. 8,25,26 In addition, a combination of prenatal exposure to PAH and exposure to second-hand smoke or particulate matter has been linked to respiratory symptoms and probable asthma in young children, 27,28 and pyrene Results are shown as mean ± standard error (SE) for continuous variables, and as N (%) for binary variables.…”

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A Review of the Usefulness of Non-invasive Exhaled Breath Condensate pH Analysis for Diseases Diagnosis with Elements of Meta-analysis: An Update from 2012

“…Air pollution and exposure to certain substances are important factors that can influence airway acidity, and it is important to keep this in mind when analyzing EBC pH as a biomarker for various clinical conditions. Substances that have been proven to increase the level of hydrogen ions in exhaled breath-thus, lowering the pH value-include: O 3 [73], [74], SPM (suspended particulate matter) [73,75,76], black carbon [77], NO 2 [76], benzene [76], ethylbenzene [76], TiO 2 [78], PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) [79], wood dust [80], wood smoke [81], and cigarette smoke [82,83]. Furthermore, living next to a major road is also associated with lower pH values [84].…”