Air Pollution Exposure and the Development of Asthma in School-Aged Children
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64149/J.Carcinog.24.10s.550-556Keywords:
Air pollution, Asthma, School-aged children, Particulate matter, Lung function, Environmental exposure.Abstract
Background: Air pollution has become a critical global health concern, particularly affecting children due to their developing respiratory systems and higher susceptibility to environmental toxins.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the relationship between exposure to ambient air pollutants and the development of asthma among school-aged children.
Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Nishtar Medical University and Hospital Multan from May 2023 to May 2024. It included 250 school-aged children (6–14 years) from urban and suburban regions with varying levels of air pollution. Participants were categorized into high-, moderate-, and low-exposure groups based on average concentrations of PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, NO₂, SO₂, and O₃ recorded near their schools. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, clinical evaluations, and spirometry testing following GINA criteria.
Results: Among the 250 participants, 63 (25.2%) were diagnosed with asthma. The prevalence of asthma was significantly higher in high-exposure areas (38.8%) compared to moderate (22.2%) and low-exposure (13.3%) zones (p < 0.001). Mean lung function values were markedly lower in high-exposure zones (FEV₁ = 78.2 ± 11.5%, FVC = 82.6 ± 10.3%) compared to low-exposure zones (FEV₁ = 92.4 ± 9.7%, FVC = 93.7 ± 8.1%). Multivariate regression analysis showed that children in high-exposure areas had 3.21 times higher odds (95% CI: 1.75–5.89, p < 0.001) of developing asthma compared to those in low-exposure areas. Significant negative correlations were observed between pollutant levels (PM₂.₅, NO₂) and lung function (r = −0.56 and −0.52, respectively; p < 0.001).
Conclusion: It is concluded that exposure to elevated levels of air pollutants, especially PM₂.₅ and NO₂, significantly increases the risk of asthma and reduces pulmonary function in school-aged children. Both outdoor and indoor pollutants contribute synergistically to respiratory morbidity.
