Decline of Ambient Air Pollution and Respiratory  Symptoms in Children

Heinrich, Joachim; Hoelscher, Bernd; Wichmann, H‐Erich

doi:10.1164/ajrccm.161.6.9906105

Cited by 119 publications

(78 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…The annual mean TSP decreased from 1991 to 1998. The crude prevalence of bronchitis in the three respective areas decreased by 15%, 12%, and 11% between 1992 and 1995 [14]; prevalence of nonallergic respiratory symptoms also decreased for an extended follow-up until 1999, indicating the reversibility of adverse health effects [14,15]. This adds further evidence to a causal association between combustion-related air pollutants and childhood respiratory symptoms.…”

mentioning

confidence: 63%

Nonallergic respiratory morbidity improved along with a decline of traditional air pollution levels: a review

Heinrich

2003

Eur Respir J

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The tremendous decline of combustion-derived emissions of traditional air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide (SO2) and total suspended particles (TSP) in Eastern Germany shortly after German reunification in 1990 provided the unique opportunity to study trends of prevalence of respiratory illness along with the improvement of air quality.The present review focused on the results of two repeated surveys of nonallergic respiratory illness in children living in East Germany. The crude prevalence of respiratory illness such as lifetime bronchitis, otitis media, tonsillitis, frequent colds, and frequent cough decreased during the 1990s in East German children. For two surveys the effect estimates showed consistently statistically significant association of TSP with bronchitis. For SO2statistically significant associations with frequent colds were also consistently found, whereas at least one survey reported higher statistically significant effect estimates for tonsillitis, otitis media, frequent cough and reduced forced vital capacity.The present study concludes that the prevalence of nonallergic respiratory illness in East German children is associated with sulphur dioxide and total suspended particles and that the improvement of air quality has beneficial effects on respiratory health.

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mentioning

confidence: 63%

Nonallergic respiratory morbidity improved along with a decline of traditional air pollution levels: a review

Heinrich

2003

Eur Respir J

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“…A decrease in levels of air pollution in former East Germany after reunification was associated with a decrease in parent-reported bronchitis 88 and improved lung function. 89 During the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, extensive programs were implemented to improve mass transportation and decrease anticipated downtown traffic congestion.…”

Section: Preventionmentioning

confidence: 90%

Ambient Air Pollution: Health Hazards to Children

Kim¹

2004

Pediatrics

270

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ABSTRACT. Ambient (outdoor) air pollution is now recognized as an important problem, both nationally and worldwide. Our scientific understanding of the spectrum of health effects of air pollution has increased, and numerous studies are finding important health effects from air pollution at levels once considered safe. Children and infants are among the most susceptible to many of the air pollutants. In addition to associations between air pollution and respiratory symptoms, asthma exacerbations, and asthma hospitalizations, recent studies have found links between air pollution and preterm birth, infant mortality, deficits in lung growth, and possibly, development of asthma. This policy statement summarizes the recent literature linking ambient air pollution to adverse health outcomes in children and includes a perspective on the current regulatory process. The statement provides advice to pediatricians on how to integrate issues regarding air quality and health into patient education and children's environmental health advocacy and concludes with recommendations to the government on promotion of effective air-pollution policies to ensure protection of children's health. Pediatrics 2004;114:1699-1707; air pollution, adverse effects, children, asthma, environmental health.ABBREVIATIONS. PM 2.5 , particulate matter with a median aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 m; PM 10 , particulate matter with a median aerodynamic diameter less than 10 m; EPA, Environmental Protection Agency; HAP, hazardous air pollutant; AQI, air quality index.

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“…The surveys are part of the Bitterfeld study, an ongoing study on long-term effects of air pollution which was described in detail previously. 20,21 The study areas Bitterfeld and Hettstedt were characterized by high air pollution and the county of Zerbst served as a control area.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%