PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Nadine Kubesch
AU  - Audrey de Nazelle
AU  - David Martinez
AU  - Stefano Guerra
AU  - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
TI  - Lung function and -inflammation after short term exposures to traffic related air pollution and physical activity
DP  - 2013 Sep 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - P3620
VI  - 42
IP  - Suppl 57
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P3620.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P3620.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2013 Sep 01; 42
AB  - Background: Traffic air pollution exposure is associated with adverse respiratory outcomes. Exercise in polluted air increases pollutant uptake. We aimed to assess respiratory responses in healthy subjects following short term exposures to traffic air pollution and the role of moderate physical activity as a potential effect modifier. Methods: Controlled crossover study design comparing lung function and the fraction of exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) at baseline with measures repeated up to 6h post exposure to traffic air pollution. Healthy non-smoking subjects were exposed for 2 hours to contrasting pollution levels (high vs. low exposure) while cycling or resting (n=31). Each volunteer was to undergo all 4 conditions. On-site exposure monitoring included particulate matters [Ultrafine PM (UFP), PM 2.5, PM10], nitrogen oxides (NOx), and elemental carbon (EC). Data were analyzed using mixed effect models for repeated measures. Results: Physical Activity was associated with a significant increase in FEV1 (0.034,p=0.000). These associations were robust and insensitive to adjustment for pollutants. Similarly consistent associations were seen with FeNO (0.880,p=0.047). Interquartile increases in UFP (-0.004,p=0.001), EC (-0.004,p=0.003), NOx (-0.004,p=0.002), PM2.5 (-0.005,p=0.001), and PM10 (-0.003,p=0.002) were significantly associated with a decrease in the ratio of FEV1/FVC. Conclusions: Moderate physical activity is slightly increasing lung function but also lung inflammation. The decreasing ratio of FEV1 and FVC indicates a lung obstruction after traffic air pollution exposure. The implications of these immediate subclinical responses remain to be further explored.