Respiratory Symptoms and Spirometric Observations in Relation to Atmospheric Pollutants in a Sample of Urban Population

Abstract

The prevalence of respiratory problems and the ventilatory functions in subjects belonging to three sample areas with different levels of pollution was studied to ascertain if there is any association between air pollutant levels and abnormal ventilatory functions. The predominant activity existing in that area served as the basis for stratification of the city into industrial (Group I), commercial (Group II) and residential (Group III) areas. Ambient air quality data of suspended particulate matter SPM, SO2 and NOx of the three sample areas were measured using standard methods. 216 men included in the study were administered the American Thoracic Society--Division of Lung Diseases ATS-DLD respiratory questionnaire, clinically examined and subjected to routine laboratory investigations. Spirometry and salbutamol reversibility tests were performed as per the ATS guidelines 1991. The mean and peak levels of SPM in the commercial area and the peak levels in the residential area were higher than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The mean and peak levels of NOx and SO2 in all the three areas were lower than the NAAQS. A high prevalence of approximately 30-50% of respiratory symptoms was reported in the present study. Respiratory and ventilatory abnormalities were higher in the commercial areas, which are associated with the higher mean and peak levels of SO2 and the peak levels of NOx. The pollution control measures should also aim at the peak levels of pollutants as they have been shown to exacerbate the respiratory symptoms in the present study.

A retrospective approach to assess human health risks associated with growing air pollution in urbanized area of Thar Desert, western Rajasthan, India

“…However, In Jodhpur city, respiratory diseases were higher in the commercial areas, which are associated with the higher mean and peak levels of SO 2 and the NO 2 . The pollution control measures should also aim at the peak levels of pollutants as they have been shown to exacerbate the respiratory symptom [36]. In the present study prevalence of asthma/COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases) was 3.4%, which is close to prevalence of chronic bronchitis (2.3-5.0%) in four areas of Mumbai city [37] and 3.3% in North Ambedkar district in Tamil Nadu [38].…”

“…The air pollution-cardiac disease association was not significantly influenced by gender or community level of education or income [35]. The earlier reports also established an association between air pollutant levels and abnormal ventilatory functions in three sites of Mumbai city in India near industrial, commercial and residential areas [36]. A high prevalence of approximately 30-50% of respiratory symptoms was reported.…”

Metanalysis: Respiratory Effects in the General Population Exposed to Urban Pollution

“…The respiratory symptoms of 40 -59 year old women, who spent much of their time at home, was related to the proximity of their residence to high motor vehicle traffic areas [15]. Other studies to remember in this context are conducted on a population of at least 10 years in metropolitan areas or rural areas, where there has been a significant association between symptoms of chronic obstructive respiratory disease and high levels of particulates [3].…”