Metals in Particulate Pollutants Affect Peak Expiratory Flow of Schoolchildren

Abstract

BackgroundThe contribution of the metal components of particulate pollutants to acute respiratory effects has not been adequately evaluated. Moreover, little is known about the effects of genetic polymorphisms of xenobiotic metabolism on pulmonary function.ObjectivesThis study was conducted to assess lung function decrement associated with metal components in particulate pollutants and genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1.MethodsWe studied 43 schoolchildren who were in the 3rd to 6th grades. Each student measured peak expiratory flow rate three times a day for 42 days. Particulate air concentrations were monitored every day, and the concentrations of iron, manganese, lead, zinc, and aluminum in the particles were measured. Glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 genetic polymorphisms were determined using DNA extracted from participant buccal washings. We used a mixed linear regression model to estimate the association between peak expiratory flow rate and particulate air pollutants.ResultsWe found significant reduction in the peak expiratory flow rate after the children’s exposure to particulate pollutants. The effect was shown most significantly 1 day after exposure to the ambient particles. Manganese and lead in the particles also reduced the peak expiratory flow rate. Genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 did not significantly affect peak expiratory flow rate.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that particulate pollutants and metals such as manganese and lead in the particles are associated with a decrement of peak expiratory flow rate. These effects were robust even with consideration of genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase.

Aluminium and iron air pollution near an iron casting and aluminium foundry in Turin district (Italy)

“…1 a negative relationship between iron and pulmonary function tests in a group of non-smoking young people living near the industrial area (personal communication to the VII Keele Meeting), while aluminium did not show any significant effects, in accordance with other works [9].…”

“…In the same way there are just few data about aluminium air pollution near a foundry in Brazil (Ouro Preto) where the relative risk of hospital admission for respiratory diseases was 4.11 and was highest among individuals between 30 and 39 years of age [8] and in Korea [9] with aluminium mean levels of 0.085 lg/m 3 and iron mean levels of 0.208 lg/m 3 .…”

Roles of oxidative stress in signaling and inflammation induced by particulate matter

“…Taking in consideration that the lung is the main target organ during exposure to ambient air pollutants, it is not surprising that there is a relationship between metal occupational exposition and spirometric parameters. Hence, FEV 1 and FVC decrease with chronic exposure to Pb (Bagci et al 2004;Hong et al 2007), Mn (Boojar and Goodarzi 2002;Hong et al 2007), Zn (Lagorio et al 2006) and Fe (Dusseldorp et al 1995;Roemer et al 2000;Seaton et al 1995). Additionally, adverse health effects like lung fibrosis are related to Ni (Kasprzak et al 2003;Zhao et al 2009b) and V (Bonner et al 2000) exposition.…”

Gene by Environment Interaction in Asthma

“…In the context of this article, for a single nucleotide polymorphism such as CD14-159C/T, there are three possible genotypes, CC, CT, TT asthma or related phenotypes ( Table 2) (3,8,15,16,30,36,39,46,51,68,69,72,90). The number of different genes studied in relation to environmental tobacco smoke and ambient air pollution is relatively small.…”