Particulate matter concentration in ambient air and its effects on lung functions among residents in the National Capital Region, India

Abstract

The World Health Organization has estimated that air pollution is responsible for 1.4 % of all deaths and 0.8 % of disability-adjusted life years. NOIDA, located at the National Capital Region, India, was declared as one of the critically air-polluted areas by the Central Pollution Control Board of the Government of India. Studies on the relationship of reduction in lung functions of residents living in areas with higher concentrations of particulate matter (PM) in ambient air were inconclusive since the subjects of most of the studies are hospital admission cases. Very few studies, including one from India, have shown the relationship of PM concentration and its effects of lung functions in the same location. Hence, a cross-sectional study was undertaken to study the effect of particulate matter concentration in ambient air on the lung functions of residents living in a critically air-polluted area in India. PM concentrations in ambient air (PM(1,) PM(2.5)) were monitored at residential locations and identified locations with higher (NOIDA) and lower concentrations (Gurgaon). Lung function tests (FEV(1), PEFR) were conducted using a spirometer in 757 residents. Both air monitoring and lung function tests were conducted on the same day. Significant negative linear relationship exists between higher concentrations of PM(1) with reduced FEV(1) and increased concentrations of PM(2.5) with reduced PEFR and FEV(1). The study shows that reductions in lung functions (PEFR and FEV(1)) can be attributed to higher particulate matter concentrations in ambient air. Decline in airflow obstruction in subjects exposed to high PM concentrations can be attributed to the fibrogenic response and associated airway wall remodeling. The study suggests the intervention of policy makers and stake holders to take necessary steps to reduce the emissions of PM concentrations, especially PM(1,) PM(2.5), which can lead to serious respiratory health concerns in residents.

Lag time structure of cardiovascular deaths attributed to ambient air pollutants in Ahvaz, Iran, 2008–2015

“…The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution is responsible for more than 1 million premature deaths each year across the world [7]. Recent studies conducted in relation to air pollution have shown that not only West ern Europe and North America but also developing coun tries are facing this health problem [8][9][10][11]. And it is pos sible that there is a relationship between chronic exposure to air pollution and coronary artery diseases [12].…”

“…Ahvaz, the capital of Khuzestan province, is Iran's second largest city in terms of area after Tehran and Iran's fifthlargest city in terms of population. Air pollution in this city has increased in the recent years and has become more severe [25]. Based on the World Health Organization's re port in 2013, Ahvaz was the most polluted city in regard to PM 10 in the world [26].…”

The impact of airborne particulate matter on pediatric hospital admissions for pneumonia among children in Jinan, China: A case-crossover study

“…Epidemiological studies in Europe, North America, and developing countries indicate that exposure to pollutants in ambient air has a detrimental effect on the health status of children (Darrow et al, 2014;Anenberg et al, 2012;Wang et al, 2013;Kesavachandran et al, 2013). These reports suggest that primary traffic pollutants, ozone, and fine and coarse particulate air pollution exacerbate upper and lower respiratory infections and the disease burden of respiratory infections such as pneumonia, bronchiolitis, bronchitis, and upper respiratory infection in early life (Darrow et al, 2014;Anenberg et al, 2012;Wang et al, 2013;Kesavachandran et al, 2013). Particulate matter originated from other sources, such as burning of fossil fuels and biomass, is also associated with increased incidence of pneumonia and increased symptoms and respiratory disease (Souza and Nascimento, 2016).…”

How air pollution influences clinical management of respiratory diseases. A case-crossover study in Milan

“…Various studies have been performed to evaluate the effects of air pollution on health status demonstrating that not only West Europe and North America are involved in this problem but also developing countries [1-3]. However, further investigation, in the form of both human and animal studies, as well as in vitro, needs to be performed to fully comprehend the relationship between air pollution and human morbidity and mortality.…”