Environmental Air Pollution Has Decremental Effects on Pulmonary Function Test Parameters Up to One Week After Exposure

Background: Recent exposure to air pollution has a decremental effect on pulmonary function. This short-term effect has only been studied for up to a few days postexposure. Our objective was to analyze the effect of air pollution on spirometric parameters in varying lag times of up to I week from the time of exposure. Methods: Healthy subjects, never smokers, who were participants in the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Inflammation Survey held between 2002 and 2007, were included if residing within an 11-km range to the nearest air pollution monitoring station. Linear regression models were applied to each lung function variable [first second of exhalation (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC] against air pollutant variables (particulate matter under 10 mu in diameter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone) for increasing lag periods of up to 7 days, and they were adjusted for possible confounders that affect air pollution and spirometric measurements. Results: The study Population comprised 2380 individuals. We found a statistically significant negative correlation between air pollutants, mainly SO2, and between FEV1 and FVC. This effect was significant from days 3 to 6, with a maximal effect noted for the fifth day and for the 7-day average before pulmonary function measurement. No significant change was found for FEV1/FVC ratio, Conclusions: Air pollution has a decremental effect oil lung function parameters for tip to 6 days after exposure in healthy adults. SO2 emerged as the most significant air pollutant affecting short-term lung function parameters.