| Abstract [eng] |
BA and AR are one of the most common repiratory diseases in children. Air pollution, particularly PM, is associated with an increased risk to the developement of these diseases due to oxidative stress and inflamatory response it causes. Educational institutions could be one of the main sources of PM, as children spend a significant amount of time indoors. Aim of the study – Analyse the association between particulate matter exposure and prevalence of BA and AR Objectives: 1. Analyse the potential associations between BA, AR and PM based on scientific literature. 2. Measure the concentrations of PM0.1, PM1, PM10 in Vilnius kindergartens and examine potential links with the incidence of BA and AR in preschool children, 3. Compare our research results with other studies. 4. Provide recommendations for conducting research projects based on this subject Methodology: 5 Measured the mass and number concentrations of PM (PM0.1, PM1 and PM10) in kindergarten classrooms, corridors and near cafeteria. Used correlation and linear regression statistical analysis methods. Results During the study, measurements of PM concentrations were carried out in educational institutions. Measurements were taken at 22 Vilnius kindergartens. A positive, statistically significant correlation was found between the incidence of BA and PM1 (r = 0,5119; p = 0,01487). Increase of PM1 concentration by 1 #/m3 resulted in a 0,1761 percentage point increase of BA incidence. A weak positive correlation was found between AR incidence and PM0.1 (r = 0,003; p<0,05). Moderately strong correlation was found between the incidence of AR and PM1 numerical concentration (r = 0,4304; p = 0,04554), mass concentration (r = 0,4896; p = 0,02254) and PM10 numerical concentration (r = 0,4365; p = 0,04483). 1 #/m3 increase in PM1 numerical concentration was associated with an increase of AR relative incidence by 0,2589 percentage points, while 1 μg/m3 increase of mass concentration led to an increase of 0,2059 percentage points. An increase of 1 #/m3 PM0.1 numerical concentration resulted in 0,0294 percentage point increase of AR relative incidence, while PM10 increase of 1 μg/m3 resulted in 0,1785 percentage point increase. Conclusions Children exposure to PM could be a significant factor in the developement of BA and AR. The study found a significant association between the incidence of BA, AR and PM, highlighting a potential higher risk associated with PM1. Submicron PM effect on incidence of AR and BA supports the model of united airway disease, which shares common inflamatory response to proinflamatory irritants. |
