[The effect of inhalable dust particles (PN10) on lung function and respiratory symptoms of school children in Lower Austria].
The effect of PM10 (particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter) on respiratory symptoms and lung function was evaluated in 881 children (aged 8 to 11 years) in 8 communities in Lower Austria. In each community, air pollution data (PM10, SO2, NO2, O3) were collected. The examination of each child included a questionnaire (spring 1996), and two lung function tests (autumn 1995, spring 1996). Statistically significant relationships were observed between PM10 levels (annual mean, 15.8-26.9 micrograms/m3) and parameters of lung function (adjusted for sex, height, atopy, passive smoking, altitude, temperature). A 10 micrograms/m3 increase in the last two weeks' mean PM10 in spring 1996 was associated with a 0.05% decrease in FVC, a 0.05% decrease in FEV1, a 0.15% decrease in MEF50, and a 0.13% decrease in MEF75-25. Furthermore, a 10 micrograms/m3 increase in last year's mean PM10 was associated with a 0.07% decrease in FVC. No association between the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and the last year's mean PM10-exposure was found. Our study demonstrates a small effect of low-level particulate air pollution on lung function of healthy school children.
Horak
F
F
Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde, Wien, Osterreich.
Studnicka
M
M
Gartner
C
C
Neumann
M
M
Tauber
E
E
Urbanek
R
R
Veiter
A
A
Frischer
T
T
D000367:Age Factors; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology; D001317:Austria; D002648:Child; D003371:Cough / Q000453:epidemiology; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure; D008168:Lung / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D010126:Ozone / Q000032:analysis; D010290:Parents; D010316:Particle Size; D015995:Prevalence; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012135:Respiratory Sounds; D012621:Seasons; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000393:Air Pollutants; D004391:Dust; D010126:Ozone