Air Pollution Related to Traffic and Chronic Respiratory Diseases (Asthma and COPD) in Africa

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) are obvious effects of air pollution and the third reason of death in developing countries. In Africa, air pollution from road traffic is one of the main causes of poor air quality. We set out to systematically review existing published researches on traffic related to air pollution and CRD, particularly asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Africa. Methods: A literature search of PubMed, Scholar and LISSA databases, published journals, reference articles, published up to 31 December 2016, has been done by using a research strategy procedure. Texts were reviewed for inclusion. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: 1) the relationship between asthma or COPD with ambient air pollution related to road traffic was studied and 2) the population included people from Africa or lived in Africa. Articles written in English and French were included. Results: Fifty-five articles were selected in this review, of which twenty-seven were on air pollution and CRD in Africa. The proximity of the residence or workplace to the traffic is associated with an increased risk of asthma with a dose-response relationship. The estimated prevalence of COPD varies between 2.7% and 38.5%. Conclusion: There is little research on traffic related to air pollution and CRD in Africa. Strategies to reduce traffic related to air pollution in African cities have been proposed in order to have a healthier ambient air.