A RECENT study revealed that long-term exposure to air pollution during childhood can lead to bronchitis symptoms in adulthood. The Southern California Children’s Health Study, examined the effects of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone, and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) on adult respiratory health, particularly focusing on self-reported bronchitis symptoms.
Researchers used inverse-distance-squared interpolation to assess air pollution exposure based on residential histories from birth to 17 years old. Data on bronchitis symptoms (bronchitis, cough, or phlegm in the last 12 months) were collected via questionnaires when participants reached adulthood. The study included 1,308 participants, predominantly non-Hispanic White (56%) or Hispanic (32%), with a mean age of 32 years.
Results showed that 25% of the participants reported experiencing bronchitis symptoms in adulthood. Childhood exposure to NO2 and PM10 was significantly associated with adult bronchitis symptoms. The odds ratios (OR) per standard deviation (SD) increase were: NO2: OR= 1.69 (95% CI: 1.12-2.49), PM10: OR= 1.51 (95% CI: 1.00-2.27).
The study also found associations between air pollution exposure and adult bronchitis symptoms were stronger among individuals who had childhood asthma. Adjusting for childhood bronchitis symptoms or asthma did not significantly alter these results.
The study’s findings indicate that childhood exposure to NO2 and PM10 increases the risk of developing bronchitis symptoms in adulthood, regardless of childhood respiratory health. However, the impact is more pronounced in individuals who has asthma during childhood. These results underscore the long-term respiratory health risks associated with early-life air pollution exposure and stress the need for new strategies to reduce air pollution and protect vulnerable populations, especially children with asthma.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference: Erika Garcia et al. Childhood Air Pollution Exposure Associated with Self-Reported Bronchitis Symptoms in Adulthood. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2024; DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202308-1484OC
