Background: Several studies found associations between exposure to vehicular traffic pollution and respiratory diseases using different tools of exposure estimate. The Geographical Information System (GIS) technology applied to epidemiological studies allows to integrate and analyze data coming from different sources with a spatial characterization. Aim: to assess the relation between the respiratory health status and exposure to vehicular traffic pollution, using GIS technology, in an Central Italy area. Methods: a sample of subjects living in Pisa was selected within the European IMCA2 project (Indicators for Monitoring COPD and Asthma in the EU). A questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, respiratory symptoms/diseases and risk factors was used. 540 people were classified, using GIS, on the basis of the distance of their house from main road: <150 meters, exposed subjects; >150 meters, controls. In addition, basing on the daily light traffic annual average (DLTAA) data, the exposed subjects were classified as: highly exposed (DLTAA+), if living near roads with DLTAA >= 4642 vehicles (50° percentile of daily annual average); moderately exposed (DLTAA-), if living near roads with DLTAA < 4642 vehicles. Results: living within 150 m from main roads, with respect to living far from roads, was significantly associated with COPD symptoms/diagnosis. In particular, highly exposed (DLTAA+) had significantly higher risks of usual phlegm (OR 1.90), usual cough (OR 2.10) and COPD symptoms/diagnosis (OR 1.84); moderately exposed (DLTAA-) had significantly higher risks of usual cough (OR 2.03) and COPD symptoms/diagnosis (OR 2.01). Conclusions: vehicular traffic individual exposure, objectively evaluated through GIS technology, is associated with COPD symptoms/diagnosis in a general population sample.
Use of GIS technology to analyse the health effect of exposure to vehicular traffic pollution in an Italian general population sample.
Maio S;Sarno G;Cerrai S;Fasola S;Baldacci S;Viegi G
2018
Abstract
Background: Several studies found associations between exposure to vehicular traffic pollution and respiratory diseases using different tools of exposure estimate. The Geographical Information System (GIS) technology applied to epidemiological studies allows to integrate and analyze data coming from different sources with a spatial characterization. Aim: to assess the relation between the respiratory health status and exposure to vehicular traffic pollution, using GIS technology, in an Central Italy area. Methods: a sample of subjects living in Pisa was selected within the European IMCA2 project (Indicators for Monitoring COPD and Asthma in the EU). A questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, respiratory symptoms/diseases and risk factors was used. 540 people were classified, using GIS, on the basis of the distance of their house from main road: <150 meters, exposed subjects; >150 meters, controls. In addition, basing on the daily light traffic annual average (DLTAA) data, the exposed subjects were classified as: highly exposed (DLTAA+), if living near roads with DLTAA >= 4642 vehicles (50° percentile of daily annual average); moderately exposed (DLTAA-), if living near roads with DLTAA < 4642 vehicles. Results: living within 150 m from main roads, with respect to living far from roads, was significantly associated with COPD symptoms/diagnosis. In particular, highly exposed (DLTAA+) had significantly higher risks of usual phlegm (OR 1.90), usual cough (OR 2.10) and COPD symptoms/diagnosis (OR 1.84); moderately exposed (DLTAA-) had significantly higher risks of usual cough (OR 2.03) and COPD symptoms/diagnosis (OR 2.01). Conclusions: vehicular traffic individual exposure, objectively evaluated through GIS technology, is associated with COPD symptoms/diagnosis in a general population sample.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
