Abstract
Background: Air pollution is associated with a number of respiratory diseases, but there is still a relatively small evidence between traffic-related (T-R) air pollutants concentration and a risk of obstruction among people living close to busy roads in East-Central Europe.
Material: In 2 studies taken in 2005-2006 (Warsaw, Poland) and 2008-2009 (Gliwice, Poland) there were analyzed 1506 and 2000 persons respectively (inhabitants of urban and rural areas). Pulmonary function tests were completed (using Easy One spirometer) and occurrence of common respiratory system diseases symptoms, allergies, smoking habit, etc. were proved. Simultaneously traffic density and air pollutants concentration were measured. Association between place of living and air pollutants exposure and lung obstruction was explored by logistic regression analysis.
Results: In both studies T-R air pollutants concentrations were statistically significant higher (p<0,05) in the vicinity of road in comparison to the rural areas. The significant association between living close to a busy road and risk of obstruction was found. In the Warsaw study risk was 4,35 times higher (95%CI: 2,57-7,35) among non-smoking inhabitants of the city comparing with rural area residents. The second study resulted in similar observations – the risk was 3,16 times higher (95%CI: 1,09-9,16). Amid smokers the difference in risk of obstruction between urban and rural areas residents was insignificant.
Conclusion: Presumably high T-R air pollutants concentration in the proximity of main roads is one of the significant reason of airways flow limitation. Therefore the risk of obstruction highly depends on place of living, particularly among non-smoking people.
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