Inner city air pollution and respiratory health and atopy in children

The impact of inner city air pollution on the development of respiratory an d atopic diseases in childhood is still unclear. In a cross sectional study in Dresden, Germany, 5,421 children in two age g roups (5-7 yrs and 9-11 yrs) were studied according to the International St udy of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) phase II protocol, The pre valences of wheezing and cough as well as doctor diagnosed asthma and bronc hitis were assessed by parental questionnaires. Children also underwent ski n-prick testing, venipuncture for the measurement of serum immunoglobulin ( Ig)E, lung function testing and a bronchial challenge test (4.5% saline) to assess airway hyperresponsiveness, Exposure was assessed on an individual basis by relating mean annual air pollution levels (SO2, NO2, CO, benzene, and O-3) which had been measured on a 1 km(2) grid, to the home and school address of each study subject. After adjusting for potential confounding factors an increase in the exposu re to benzene of 1 mu g.m(3) air was associated with an increased prevalenc e of morning cough (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)): 1.15; 1.04-1.27) and bronch itis (aOR: 1.11; 1.03-1.19). Similar associations were observed for NO2 and CO. In turn, the prevalences of atopic sensitization, symptoms of atopic d iseases and bronchial hyperresponsiveness were not positively associated wi th exposure to any of these pollutants. It is concluded that in this study a moderate increase in exposure to traff ic-related air pollution was associated,vith an increased prevalence of cou gh and bronchitis, but not with atopic conditions in children.