Exposure to indoor endocrine‐disrupting chemicals and childhood asthma and obesity

Abstract

Background: Indoor air contaminants may act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). However, to what extent these contaminants affect health is poorly known.We aimed to assess the association between EDCs exposure and asthma, respiratory symptoms and obesity in schoolchildren.Methods: Data from a cross-sectional analysis of 815 participants from 20 schools in Porto, Portugal, were analysed. Symptoms were assessed, asthma was defined on lung function, and airway reversibility and body mass index (BMI) were calculated.The concentrations of 13 volatile organic compounds and 2 aldehydes identified as EDCs were measured in 71 classrooms throughout 1 week. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess the effect of co-exposure. Associations were estimated by regression coefficients using linear and logistic regression models.Results: Increased individual and combined EDCs levels were found in classrooms having more children with asthma and obesity. Higher levels of hexane, styrene, cyclohexanone, butylated hydroxytoluene and 2-butoxyethanol were associated with obesity, and higher levels of cyclohexanone were associated with increased child BMI. Toluene, oxylene, m/p-xylene and ethylbenzene were significantly associated with nasal obstruction.A positive association was found between PC1 and the risk of obese asthma (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.01, 1.98) and between PC2 and overweight (OR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.28, 1.79).PC1 and PC2 were also associated with nasal obstruction, and PC2 was associated with breathing difficulties and lean body mass, although EDCs concentrations were low. Conclusions:Our findings further support the role of EDCs in asthma and obesity development. Moreover, even low levels of indoor exposure may influence the risk of asthma, respiratory symptoms and obesity.

The inflammatory potential of diet impacts the association between air pollution and childhood asthma

“…Lastly, we have considered only the classroom effect, but children spend 8 hours per day at school environment, especially indoors; therefore, it is expected that air quality in schools will play an important role in assessing the effects of PM exposure. 13 The present study has also important strengths. To our knowledge, this is the first community-based survey evaluating the effect modification of diet inflammatory potential in the association between air pollution and childhood asthma.…”

“…Nevertheless, in the area of study, Porto, and considering the age of participants, mites and grass pollen account for the vast majority of allergic subjects, with tree monosensitization being a rare event. Lastly, we have considered only the classroom effect, but children spend 8 hours per day at school environment, especially indoors; therefore, it is expected that air quality in schools will play an important role in assessing the effects of PM exposure …”

“…A total of 1602 children aged 7‐12 years, attending 71 classrooms from 20 public schools located in the Portuguese city of Porto, were invited to participate in a cross‐sectional study examining the association of PM levels in classrooms with asthma . Children who did not provide informed consent (n = 686), who refused to perform clinical procedures (n = 58), who were unable to comply with study procedures (n = 242), or who took food supplements in the past 12 months (n = 115) were excluded.…”

“…Positive bronchodilation (+BD) was defined by at least a 12% and over 200 mL increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Different asthma definitions were considered as follows: (a) ever: self‐reported medical diagnosis; (b) medical diagnosis with asthma symptoms or +BD: self‐reported medical diagnosis with reported symptoms (wheezing, dyspnea, or dry cough) occurring in the past 12 months or positive bronchodilation; and (c) medical diagnosis and under asthma treatment: self‐reported medical diagnosis and currently under anti‐asthma medication.…”

Prioritizing Research Challenges and Funding for Allergy and Asthma and the Need for Translational Research — The European Strategic Forum on Allergic Diseases

“…Аллергические болезни и бронхиальная астма в контексте экологической медицины Природные и искусственные факторы, такие как качество воздуха, воды, почвы, а также физические, химические, биологические и социальные факторы нашего окружения оказывают значительное влияние на течение и тяжесть аллергических болезней и астмы [23,71,72]. Хотя революция в области персонализированной медицины и имеет потенциал изменить окружающую среду, нам еще предстоит долгий путь к пониманию того, на что или кого необходимо оказывать воздействие.…”