Acute effects of ambient PM2.5 on lung function among schoolchildren

Abstract

Previous studies have found that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution is associated with decreased lung function. However, most current research focuses on children with asthma, leading to small sample sizes and limited generalization of results. The current study aimed to measure the short-term and lag effects of PM2.5 among school-aged children using repeated measurements of lung function.This prospective panel study included 848 schoolchildren in Zhejiang Province, China. Each year from 2014–2017, two lung function tests were conducted from November 15th to December 31st. Daily air pollution data were derived from the monitoring stations nearest to the schools. A mixed-effects regression model was used to investigate the relationship between PM2.5 and lung function. The effect of PM2.5 on lung function reached its greatest at 1-day moving average PM2.5 exposure. For every 10 μg/m3 increase in the 1-day moving average PM2.5 concentration, Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) of children decreased by 33.74 mL (95% CI: 22.52, 44.96), 1-s Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1) decreased by 32.56 mL (95% CI: 21.41, 43.70), and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) decreased by 67.45 mL/s (95% CI: 45.64, 89.25). Stronger associations were found in children living in homes with smokers. Short-term exposure to PM2.5 was associated with reductions in schoolchildren’s lung function. This finding indicates that short-term exposure to PM2.5 is harmful to children’s respiratory health, and appropriate protective measures should be taken to reduce the adverse effects of air pollution on children’s health.

The Role of Trees in Winter Air Purification on Children’s Routes to School

“…Among various air pollutants, particulate matter (PM), because of their small particle size, is the most harmful and most representative pollutant [8,9] and its major toxicological effects on human health and the environment have been observed for decades [10]. PM has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory health outcomes among children [11,12] and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure and myocardial infarction, hypertension and stroke [13]. Children are a particularly vulnerable group to the effects of PM [14], as they are more active, breathe proportionately more air than adults, their respiratory systems are still developing, and they spend more time outdoors, inhaling the highest PM concentrations just above the ground.…”

Evaluating the Efficacy of the MedicAir Air Purifier in Reducing Ambient Air Pollution in Classrooms

“…However, it is only particulate matter below 5 micrometres which is able to reach the alveoli and pass into the bloodstream, which renders increased levels of PM2.5 in environments such as schools particularly concerning. Several studies have found that increased levels of PM2.5 can lead to a direct reduction of lung function, as well as indicate early lung disease in school children (4,5). There has also been an increased focus on finer particles, such as PM1, which are similarly able to penetrate the lungs and alveoli, and enter the bloodstream.…”

The Role of Trees in Winter Air Purification on Children’s Routes to School

“…Among various air pollutants, particulate matter (PM) is the most harmful and most representative pollutant [8,9] and whose major toxicological effects on human health and the environment have been observed for decades [10]. PM has been associated with increased risk of respiratory health outcomes among children [11,12] and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure and myocardial infarction, hypertension and stroke [13]. Children are a group particularly vulnerable to the effects of PM [14], as they are more active, breathe proportionately more air than adults, their respiratory systems are still developing, and they spend more time outdoors, inhaling the highest PM concentrations just above the ground.…”