Exposure to traffic pollution, acute inflammation and autonomic response in a panel of car commuters

Abstract

Background Exposure to traffic pollution has been linked to numerous adverse health endpoints. Despite this, limited data examining traffic exposures during realistic commutes and acute response exists. Objectives: We conducted the Atlanta Commuters Exposures (ACE-1) Study, an extensive panel-based exposure and health study, to measure chemically-resolved in-vehicle exposures and corresponding changes in acute oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, pulmonary and systemic inflammation and autonomic response. Methods We recruited 42 adults (21 with and 21 without asthma) to conduct two 2-h scripted highway commutes during morning rush hour in the metropolitan Atlanta area. A suite of in-vehicle particulate components were measured in the subjects’ private vehicles. Biomarker measurements were conducted before, during, and immediately after the commutes and in 3 hourly intervals after commutes. Results At measurement time points within 3 h after the commute, we observed mild to pronounced elevations relative to baseline in exhaled nitric oxide, C-reactive-protein, and exhaled malondialdehyde, indicative of pulmonary and systemic inflammation and oxidative stress initiation, as well as decreases relative to baseline levels in the time-domain heart-rate variability parameters, SDNN and rMSSD, indicative of autonomic dysfunction. We did not observe any detectable changes in lung function measurements (FEV1, FVC), the frequency-domain heart-rate variability parameter or other systemic biomarkers of vascular injury. Water soluble organic carbon was associated with changes in eNO at all post-commute time-points (p < 0.0001). Conclusions Our results point to measureable changes in pulmonary and autonomic biomarkers following a scripted 2-h highway commute.

Acute effects on pulmonary function in young healthy adults exposed to traffic-related air pollution in semi-closed transport hub in Beijing

“…Although some studies have explored the acute effects of short-term exposure to traffic emission on pulmonary function in real-world settings, the results were inconsistent. Some indicated negative effects [16][17][18][19], while others reported no acute influence [20][21][22][23]. In addition, some positive associations between traffic exposure during cycling and pulmonary function were found [24,25].…”

Allergy in severe asthma

“…Other studies also indicate that sudden increase or decrease of exposure to air pollution may affect asthmatic symptoms or emergency department visits (136)(137)(138). Indeed, a decrease in the number of acute asthma events of over 40% was found after reduction in air pollution during summer Olympic games (138).…”

Comparing on-road real-time simultaneous in-cabin and outdoor particulate and gaseous concentrations for a range of ventilation scenarios

“…Because traffic emissions are a major source of pollutants, peak concentrations tend to occur near or on roads, which is where an individual may receive a disproportionately large fraction of their total daily personal exposures. Indeed studies have reported elevated risks for developing asthma and reduced lung function in children living near to heavily-trafficked roads (Brugge et al , 2007), as well as measured changes in cardiac biomarkers and pulmonary function in adults driving or working in private vehicles (cars) (Riediker et al , 2004; Heinrich et al , 2005; Sarnat et al , 2014). …”