Increased asthma and respiratory symptoms in children exposed to petrochemical pollution

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.

Key words: Air pollution, asthma, lung function testing, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds

Abbreviations used: ETS, Environmental tobacco smoke, FEF_25-75, Forced expiratory flow over the middle 50% of the FVC, FVC, Forced vital capacity, PAH, Polyaromatic hydrocarbon, PM, Particulate matter, OR, Odds ratio, VOC, Volatile organic compound