[The effect of inhalable dust particles (PN10) on lung function and respiratory symptoms of school children in Lower Austria]. / Der Einfluss von inhalierbaren Staubpartikeln (PM10) auf Lungenfunktion und respiratorische Symptome bei niederösterreichischen Volksschulkindern.

ABSTRACT

The effect of PM10 (particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter) on respiratory symptoms and lung function was evaluated in 881 children (aged 8 to 11 years) in 8 communities in Lower Austria. In each community, air pollution data (PM10, SO2, NO2, O3) were collected. The examination of each child included a questionnaire (spring 1996), and two lung function tests (autumn 1995, spring 1996). Statistically significant relationships were observed between PM10 levels (annual mean, 15.8-26.9 micrograms/m3) and parameters of lung function (adjusted for sex, height, atopy, passive smoking, altitude, temperature). A 10 micrograms/m3 increase in the last two weeks' mean PM10 in spring 1996 was associated with a 0.05% decrease in FVC, a 0.05% decrease in FEV1, a 0.15% decrease in MEF50, and a 0.13% decrease in MEF75-25. Furthermore, a 10 micrograms/m3 increase in last year's mean PM10 was associated with a 0.07% decrease in FVC. No association between the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and the last year's mean PM10-exposure was found. Our study demonstrates a small effect of low-level particulate air pollution on lung function of healthy school children.