Abstract
Background and Objective: The relationship between IPF development and environmental factors has not been elucidated. Air pollutants have been associated with exacerbating symptoms of IPF. We hypothesise that cross-analysing location of IPF cases and air pollution concentrations could lead to recognition of environmental risk factors.
Methods: We analysed epidemiological and clinical data from 503 IPF patients in the Observatory.IPF in Catalonia. We generated maps of the most relevant air pollutant PM2.5 from the last 10 years using data from the CALIOPE air quality forecast system and observational data.
Results: In 2018, the prevalence of IPF differed across provinces, ranging from 8.0 cases per 100,000 habitants in Barcelona to 2.0 cases per 100,000 habitants in Girona. PM2.5 presented great variabliity.The ratio of IPF was increased in specific areas of the same region. PM2.5 concentrations were higher in postal codes where there is more industry, traffic, and shipping. These areas present more aggregation of IPF cases (Figure 1).
Conclusion: The prevalence of IPF is higher in areas of elevated air PM2.5 concentration. We suggest that further study needs to be done with broader patient cohorts in specific geographic areas to compile a broader profile of what environmental factors may be involved in development of IPF and other lung diseases.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2020; 56: Suppl. 64, 1796.
This abstract was presented at the 2020 ERS International Congress, in session “Respiratory viruses in the "pre COVID-19" era”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2020
