An epidemiological study on the effects of traffic-related particulate matters on bronchial responsiveness in children

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To investigate the effects of traffic-related particulate matters on bronchial responsiveness, an epidemiological study was conducted among pupils from six elementary schools that located near trunk roads with heavy traffic. Peak expiratory flow (PEFR) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV_1) were recorded twice daily for 3 weeks. The acute effects of air pollution were evaluated by the association of the concentrations of suspended particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide with PEFR and FEV_1. Respiratory symptoms were evaluated using a standard questionnaire. Serum concentrations of IgE, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) were determined. We collected complete data from 480 children during three years (1999-2001). The daily measurements of PEFR and FEV_1. were useful to evaluate airway obstruction objectively. The significant decrease in PEFR and FEV_1 in response to the increase of air pollution levels was more common among children with asthma or wheezing, and children with high concentrations of serum IgE or EDN. Among children without sthma or wheezing, the significant decrease in pulmonary function values in response to air pollution levels was observed frequently in children with high concentration's of serum IgE or EDN. In addition, the incidence rate of asthma during three years was higher among children with high concentrations of serum IgE or EDN than those with low concentrations. In conclusion, the children with asthma or wheezing and high concentrations of serum IgE or EDN were susceptible to particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide from automobile exhaust. The relationship between diesel exhaust particles and allergic disposition in children should be further evaluated.