Researchers identify 25 air pollutants linked to asthma symptoms

A study of elementary school students in Spokane, Washington, found that different combinations of air pollutants were associated with asthma symptoms, according to research published in the journal American. Total environmental science.^1,2 According to the results, the researchers identified 25 different combinations.

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“It's not just one pollutant that may be associated with asthma outcomes. In this study, we examined the diversity and combination of air toxicants that may be associated with asthma symptoms.” , said Elson S. Floyd University researcher Solmaz Amiri, Ph.D., M.S.A. Washington State University's M.D. said in a press release. “Whether it's Spokane or New York City, in cities large and small, these airborne toxics appear to be impacting asthma in children.”¹

Researchers in the new study used machine learning to identify the potential of 109 air pollutants and their combinations, according to a press release, as other studies have focused on a limited number of pollutants. We analyzed the effects of these exposures and determined their impact on asthma outcomes.¹

Researchers collected and analyzed data from 269 children with asthma who experienced symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and the need for an inhaler. They also collected data from the Environmental Protection Agency about air pollution around 10 Spokane-area elementary schools, according to a press release. Data was collected in 2019 and 2020, before the pandemic lockdown occurred in March 2020.¹

According to a press release, the researchers compared the data they collected to air pollutant exposures that occurred within a six-month period and two long-term exposure periods, three and five years before the onset of children's asthma symptoms. associated. They discovered that it was 1,1,1 trichloroethane. 2-nitropropane; and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol were significantly associated with asthma symptoms across three exposure periods.¹

In a press release, 1,1,1 trichloroethane is a widely used solvent in industry and was once used in household cleaners and adhesives, while 2-nitropropane is used in paints and other finishes. It is stated that it is an additive to agents. Additionally, 2, 4, 6-trichlorophenol is a preservative and fungicide that was banned in the 1980s, but is still present in some pesticides and preservatives manufactured before that period.¹

“Although some of these air toxics have been phased out in the United States, they still exist in stored materials and materials that people keep in their backyards and garages. Toxic substances are still present, at least in the environment,” Amiri said. press release.¹

The study did not determine the source of the air pollutants or why children in low-income areas were highly exposed, but they were close to sources such as busy highways and factories that use solvents. Amiri said this may be a factor. with exposure to toxins. The study was limited to a medium-sized city, according to a press release, and Amiri also noted that these findings were made in New York City, where similar air pollutants were found to be associated with asthma outcomes. This is consistent with another study.¹

The study comes after a previous study from Washington State University found that a group of children from low-income neighborhoods were exposed to more harmful combinations, with 13 out of 25 identified in this study. It was done.¹

References

1. Multiple air pollutants have been linked to asthma symptoms in children. news release. Science Daily. March 13, 2024. Accessed March 14, 2024. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240313135515.htm

2. Amiri S, Li YC, Buchwald D, Pandey G. Machine learning identifies combinations of air toxicities associated with asthma symptoms in elementary school students in Spokane, Washington, USA. Science integrated environment. 2024;921:171102. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171102