Respiratory Disturbance and IgE Caused by Traffic-related Air Pollution

Abstract

This was a cross-sectional study to identify the association of microbial and particulate matter less than 2.5 micron (PM 2.5) with respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function impairment among sweepers. A number of 97 sweepers at Rajthevee District in Bangkok participated in this research. The samples of particulate matter less than 2.5 micron were collected by attaching Model 200 Personal Environmental Monitor (PEM(trademark)) at the sweepers' collar near breathing zone during work shift. Microbial air samples were collected by Microflow 90 by following the sweepers twice a day at 06.00-07.00am and 10.00-11.00am. The respiratory symptoms were assessed by questionnaire and the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire and pulmonary functions were tested using spirometer. The results showed that there was an association between particulate matter less than 2.5 micron with stuffy nose (p-value < 0.01) and cough (p-value < 0.05), fungal at 06.00-07.00am was associated with wheezing (p-value < 0.05). However, there was no significant association between bacteria and respiratory symptoms and no significant association between particulate matter less than 2.5 micron and microbial agents with pulmonary function impairment among sweepers. The mean of serum IgE among 15 sweepers who had wheezing was 277.07 IU/ml (range 12-1,088 IU/ ml). There was correlation between poor pulmonary function and increased IgE levels. .