title: Effects of commuting mode on air pollution exposure and cardiovascular health among young adults in Taipei, Taiwan.
abstract: The association between traffic-related air pollution and adverse cardiovascular effects has been well documented; however, little is known about whether different commuting modes can modify the effects of air pollution on the cardiovascular system in human subjects in urban areas with heavy traffic. We recruited 120 young, healthy subjects in Taipei, Taiwan. Each participant was classified with different commuting modes according to his/her own commuting style. Three repeated measurements of heart rate variability (HRV) indices {standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) and the square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent NN intervals (r-MSSD)}, particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5), temperature, humidity and noise level were conducted for each subject during 1-h morning commutes (0900-1000 h) in four different commuting modes, including an electrically powered subway, a gas-powered bus, a gasoline-powered car, and walking. Linear mixed-effects models were used to investigate the association of PM2.5 with HRV indices. The results showed that decreases in the HRV indices were associated with increased levels of PM2.5. The personal exposure levels to PM2.5 were the highest in the walking mode. The effects of PM2.5 on cardiovascular endpoints were the lowest in the subway mode compared to the effects in the walking mode. The participants in the car and bus modes had reduced effects on their cardiovascular endpoints compared to the participants in the walking mode. We concluded that traffic-related PM2.5 is associated with autonomic alteration. Commuting modes can modify the effects of PM2.5 on HRV indices among young, healthy subjects.
authors: Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors: Wen-Te
authors: WT
authors: Liu
authors: Department of Cosmetic Application and Management, St. Mary's Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Yilan, Taiwan.
authors: Chih-Ming
authors: CM
authors: Ma
authors: Department of Nursing, Cardinal Tien College of Healthcare & Management, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
authors: I-Jung
authors: IJ
authors: Liu
authors: School of Public Health, College of Public Health and Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors: Bor-Cheng
authors: BC
authors: Han
authors: Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors: Hsiao-Chi
authors: HC
authors: Chuang
authors: School of Public Health, College of Public Health and Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan. Electronic address: d92841003@ntu.edu.tw.
authors: Kai-Jen
authors: KJ
authors: Chuang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D018986:Motor Vehicles; D010316:Particle Size; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D011890:Railroads; D013624:Taiwan; D014186:Transportation / Q000379:methods*; D014505:Urban Population; D001335:Vehicle Emissions / Q000032:analysis*; D016138:Walking; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D052638:Particulate Matter; D001335:Vehicle Emissions
keywords: Air pollution; Cardiovascular effect; Epidemiology; Particulate matter; Subway; Traffic