Volatile organic compounds exposure and respiratory function in preschoolers from mothers whose participated in a randomized clinical trial during pregnancy

Abstract

Background. Early exposure to air pollution is crucial in the development of the immune response and monitoring of respiratory function is important in the diagnostic and management of respiratory diseases.

Objective: To determine the impact of air pollution on respiratory function in preschool-aged Mexican children and evaluate the interaction between supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and air pollution exposure in this population.

Methods. The forced oscillation technique (Respiratory resistance (Rrs_{6, 8Hz}) and reactance (Xrs_{6, 8Hz} ) using Cosmed Quark i2m, Italy) were used to measure respiratory function in 585 children (292 males) 3-5 years old once as part of the Omega-3 Supplementation Study in Mexico. Measurements were performed according to ATS/ERS standards. For environmental exposure, we conducted local monitoring of Volatile Organic Compounds air concentrations (Benzene, toluene, xilene, heptanes and hexane)) in diferent parts of the city and the association between respiratory function and air pollution exposure were analyzed using lineal regression models.

Results. The lung function did not differ significantly between groups of supplementation. The volatile organic compounds (BTX, heptanes, hexane) air concentrations were significantly inverse related to respiratory function (Rrs_{6, 8Hz} and Xrs_{6, 8Hz} (p<0.05). We did not observe a potential interaction between treatment groups and air pollution exposure.

Conclusions. Exposure to volatile organic compounds air concentrations in the general environment decrease the respiratory function in Mexican Preschoolers.