US EPA

2533430 

Journal Article 

Risk of bronchi obstruction among non-smokers-Review of environmental factors affecting bronchoconstriction 

Badyda, AJ; Dąbrowiecki, P; Czechowski, PO; Majewski, G 

2014 

1 

Respiratory Physiology and Neurobiology
ISSN: 1569-9048
EISSN: 1878-1519 

209 

39-46 

English 

25447677 

10.1016/j.resp.2014.10.016 

WOS:000352172300008 

In order to find relationship between exposure to traffic and traffic-related air pollutants, pulmonary function tests and a detailed questionnaire were conducted among 3997 selected inhabitants of Warsaw (Poland) and 988 residents of rural areas. Advanced statistical analyses (including GRM models, correspondence analysis and parametrical tests) have been completed. Statistically significant differences between average percentages of predicted values of pulmonary function parameters were found. Among urban area inhabitants the values of FEV1, MEF50 and FEV1/FVC were statistically significant (p<0.05) lower compared with the residents of rural areas (in the non-smoking group this differences were strong (p<0.001)). General linear regression models indicated that residence in the vicinity of urban busy roads fosters a decrease of spirometric parameters. Physical activity however has a positive effect on pulmonary function (exemplified by FEV1) and allows to reduce part of the negative health effects of traffic-related emissions. The results of the presented study demonstrate that long-term residence under the influence of heavy traffic and high concentrations of traffic-related air pollutants reduces respiratory function parameters, which may result in increased bronchial hyperresponsiveness. 

Traffic-related air pollutants; Urban environment; Pulmonary function; Bronchi obstruction; FEV1; General regression models