Early life exposure to locally-generated PM10 and lung function measurements at school-age

Aim: Although multiple studies have linked short-term exposure to particulate matter (PM 10 ) with respiratory symptoms and lung function (LF) in children, little is known about effects of early lifetime exposure. Methods: In a population-based cohort study (n=4400) we collected information on residential history from birth to early school-age (6-9 yrs) and modelled primary PM 10 exposure throughout childhood using Airviro. We assessed wheeze symptoms by parental questionnaires and performed spirometry in a sample of children aged 9-13 yrs (n=399). We analysed association between early life exposure to PM 10 and LF using linear regressions controlling for a number of confounders and attacks of wheeze at school-age. Results: Median (interquartile range) of early life exposure to PM 10 was 1.83 (0.93-2.70) μg/m 3 . Mean (SD) FVC, FEV 1 and MEF 50 were 2.42 (0.44) l, 2.11 (0.39) l and 2.82 (0.73) l/s respectively. After adjustment FVC was lower with higher exposures to PM 10 .We found no significant association with FEV 1 or MEF 50 . When adjusting for number of attacks results were similar. Conclusions: Lifetime exposure to primary PM 10 was associated with lower FVC at school-age which might be independent of wheezing disorders. This result is compatible with a chronic effect of air pollution on normal lung function growth, resulting in a restrictive rather than an obstructive pattern. Funding: SNF 3200B0-122341, Asthma UK 07/048