Respiratory health problems in adolescents living near main roads in the Upper Silesian industrial zone, Poland

Abstract

Objectives: This study explores the association between self-reported exposure to traffic-related air pollution and respiratory health symptoms, as well as lung functions and skin prick tests in adolescents living in the vicinity of main roads.

Material and methods: The data in the study were acquired using a cross-sectional study conducted between 2004-2005 in Chorzów (Silesia, Poland) among adolescents (N = 936) aged 13-15 years, attending junior high schools. Adverse respiratory health symptoms and exposure to traffic-related air pollution were determined on the basis of a questionnaire. Moreover, all children underwent spirometry and skin prick tests. Multivariable logistic regression with multiple imputation for missing data was used to assess the prevalence of adverse respiratory symptoms in relation to self-reported exposure to traffic-related air pollution, adjusted for socioeconomic and environmental factors.

Results: Among respiratory tract diseases, asthma and allergic rhinitis associations were statistically significant (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.12-4.15 and OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.08-2.64, respectively). Likewise, among respiratory disorders, statistically significant associations were found in the case of wheezes and dyspnea attack (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.10-2.26 and OR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.56-3.66, respectively), with respect to the vicinity of the main road. Living in the area with high traffic intensity was statistically significantly associated with a higher prevalence of asthma and wheezes (OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.22-4.39 and 1.48, 95% CI: 1.09-2.01, respectively). The results obtained did not confirm the relationship between the adopted way of exposure to traffic-related air pollution and lung function indices or skin prick tests.

Conclusions: Results of the study suggest that children living in the area with intense traffic are more likely to develop respiratory disorders. Moreover, the vicinity of a main road as well as traffic intensity could be suitable in assessing the relationship between road transport and potential health problems among exposed inhabitants. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(4):553-67.

Keywords: adolescents; lung volume measurements; respiratory diseases; skin prick test; transportation; vehicles.