Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.jaci.2008.09.052
Title (Primary) Increased asthma and respiratory symptoms in children exposed to petrochemical pollution
Author Wichmann, F.A.; Müller, A.; Busi, L.E.; Cianni, N.; Massolo, L.; Schlink, U. ORCID logo ; Porta, A.; Sly, P.D.
Source Titel Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Year 2009
Department PROTEOM; STUDIEN; EXPOEPID
Volume 123
Issue 3
Page From 632
Page To 638
Language englisch
Keywords Air pollution; asthma; lung function testing; particulate matter; volatile organic compounds
Abstract Background: Epidemiologic studies show statistical associations between levels of air pollutants and respiratory outcomes.Objective: We sought to determine the effects of exposure to petrochemical pollution on the respiratory health of children.Methods: Children aged 6 to 12 years living close to the petrochemical plants in La Plata, Argentina (n = 282), were compared with those living in a region with exposure to heavy traffic (n = 270) or in 2 relatively nonpolluted areas (n = 639). Parents answered a validated questionnaire providing health and demographic data. A random sample (n = 181) had lung function measured. Particulate matter and outdoor and indoor volatile organic compound levels were measured during 4-week study periods and reported as overall means for each study area.Results: Children living near the petrochemical plant had more asthma (24.8% vs 10.1% to 11.5%), more asthma exacerbations (6.7 vs 2.9-3.6 per year), more respiratory symptoms (current wheeze, dyspnea, nocturnal cough, and rhinitis), and lower lung function (>13% decrease in FEV1 percent predicted) than those living in other regions. Length of residence in the area was a significant risk factor, but age, sex, body mass index, proximity to busy roads and other nonpetrochemical industries, length of breast-feeding, and socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of children or their families were not.Conclusion: Exposure to particulate matter and volatile organic compounds arising from petrochemical plants but not from high traffic density was associated ith worse respiratory health in children.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=709
Wichmann, F.A., Müller, A., Busi, L.E., Cianni, N., Massolo, L., Schlink, U., Porta, A., Sly, P.D. (2009):
Increased asthma and respiratory symptoms in children exposed to petrochemical pollution
J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 123 (3), 632 - 638