Fine and coarse particulate air pollution in relation to respiratory health in Sweden

Eur Respir J. 2013 Oct;42(4):924-34. doi: 10.1183/09031936.00088212. Epub 2013 Jan 11.

Abstract

Health effects have repeatedly been associated with residential levels of air pollution. However, it is difficult to disentangle effects of long-term exposure to locally generated and long-range transported pollutants, as well as to exhaust emissions and wear particles from road traffic. We aimed to investigate effects of exposure to particulate matter fractions on respiratory health in the Swedish adult population, using an integrated assessment of sources at different geographical scales. The study was based on a nationwide environmental health survey performed in 2007, including 25,851 adults aged 18-80 years. Individual exposure to particulate matter at residential addresses was estimated by dispersion modelling of regional, urban and local sources. Associations between different size fractions or source categories and respiratory outcomes were analysed using multiple logistic regression, adjusting for individual and contextual confounding. Exposure to locally generated wear particles showed associations for blocked nose or hay fever, chest tightness or cough, and restricted activity days with odds ratios of 1.5-2 per 10-μg·m(-3) increase. Associations were also seen for locally generated combustion particles, which disappeared following adjustment for exposure to wear particles. In conclusion, our data indicate that long-term exposure to locally generated road wear particles increases the risk of respiratory symptoms in adults.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Air Pollutants / adverse effects*
  • Cities
  • Cough / etiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Female
  • Geography
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Particulate Matter / adverse effects
  • Regression Analysis
  • Respiration Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Respiration Disorders / epidemiology
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / etiology
  • Sweden
  • Vehicle Emissions / analysis*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Particulate Matter
  • Vehicle Emissions