Effects of particulate air pollution on nasal and lung function development among Greek children: a 19-year cohort study

The aim was to investigate respiratory symptoms, lung function and nasal airflow development among a cohort of children who were exposed to particulate air pollution. We used questionnaires, spirometry and rhinomanometry, while central-monitored PM₁₀ concentrations were used for exposure assessment. We initially examined 1046 children (10–12 year old) in the heavily polluted town of Ptolemaida, Greece, and 379 children in the cleaner town of Grevena (control group). We re-evaluated 312 of the former and 119 of the latter after 19 years. PM₁₀ concentrations were above permissible levels in Ptolemaida during all study period. At both visits, nasal flow was significantly lower in the study sample. At the follow-up visit, 34.3 % had severe nasal obstruction (< 500 ml/s) and 38.5 % reported chronic nasal symptoms. Spirometric parameters did not differ compared to the control group. Particulate air pollution had significant and negative effects on nasal but not on lung function development.