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Title:
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Particulate matter air pollution and respiratory symptoms in subjects having either asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a European multicentre panel study
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Author(s):
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Kos, G.P.A.; Karakatsani, A.; Analitis, A.; Perifanou, D.; Ayres, J.G.; Harrison, R.G.; Kotronarou, A.; Kavouras, I.; Pekkanen, J.; Hämeri, K.; Hartog, J. de; Hoek, G.; Katsouyanni, K.
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Published by:
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Publication date:
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ECN
Environment & Energy Engineering
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1-4-2012
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ECN report number:
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Document type:
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ECN-E--12-034
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ECN publication
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Number of pages:
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Full text:
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24
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Download PDF
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Abstract:
Abstract
Background
The RUPIOH study, an EU-funded multicentre study, was designed to examine the
distribution of various ambient particle metrics in four European cities (Helsinki,
Athens, Amsterdam, Birmingham) and assess their health effects in subjects with
asthma or COPD, based on a more detailed exposure assessment.
Methods
At each centre a panel of subjects with either asthma or COPD recorded respiratory
symptoms and restriction of activities in a diary for six months. Exposure assessment
included simultaneous measurements of coarse, fine, and ultrafine particles at a
central site. In this paper the association of central site measurements with respiratory
symptoms and restriction of activities is examined.
Results
A 10 µg/m3 increase of coarse particles concentrations was consistently associated
with most symptoms (an increase of 0.6 to 0.7% in average) and limitation in walking
at lag 1. Ozone was positively associated with cough at lags 1 and 2. No consistent
associations were observed between fine and ultrafine particle number concentrations,
nitrogen dioxide and respiratory health effects.
Conclusions
The observed associations with coarse particles are in agreement with the findings of
toxicological studies. Together they suggest it is prudent to regulate also coarse
particles in addition to fine particles.
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