Study: Researchers Identify 25 Air Pollutants Associated With Asthma Symptoms

Study: Researchers Identify 25 Air Pollutants Associated With Asthma Symptoms  Pharmacy Times

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Mar 17, 2024 - 08:00
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Study: Researchers Identify 25 Air Pollutants Associated With Asthma Symptoms

Study: Researchers Identify 25 Air Pollutants Associated With Asthma Symptoms

Different Combinations of Air Pollutants Linked to Asthma Symptoms in Elementary School Children

A study published in Science of The Total Environment has found that different combinations of air pollutants are associated with asthma symptoms in elementary school children in Spokane, Washington. The study identified a total of 25 different combinations of air pollutants that have an impact on asthma outcomes.

Image Credit: martin33 - stock.adobe.com
Image Credit: martin33 – stock.adobe.com

According to Solmaz Amiri, a researcher at the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University, the study highlights that it is not just one pollutant that can be linked to asthma outcomes. The variety and combinations of air toxins play a significant role in influencing asthma among children, regardless of the size of the cities they live in.

Machine Learning Analysis of Air Pollutants

Unlike previous studies that focused on a limited number of pollutants, this study utilized machine learning to analyze the potential exposure effects of 109 air pollutants and their combinations on asthma outcomes. The researchers collected and analyzed data from 269 children with asthma who experienced symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and the need for an inhaler. Data on air toxins in the neighborhoods surrounding 10 elementary schools in the Spokane region were obtained from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The study associated the collected data with air pollutant exposures that occurred within 6 months, as well as 3 and 5 years prior to the children’s asthma symptoms. The researchers found that 1,1,1 trichloroethane, 2-nitropropane, and 2,4,6 trichlorophenol were significantly associated with asthma symptoms across the three exposure periods.

1,1,1 trichloroethane is a widely used solvent in industry and was formerly used in household cleaners and glues. 2-nitropropane is an additive to paints and other finishes. 2,4,6 trichlorophenol is an antiseptic and anti-mildew agent that was banned in the 1980s but can still be found in some pesticides and preservatives made before that period.

Key Takeaways

  1. This study, using machine learning, identified 25 different combinations of air toxins linked to asthma symptoms.
  2. The study examined exposures within 6 months, 3 years, and 5 years prior to asthma symptoms, suggesting both short-term and long-term impacts.
  3. Certain pollutants, including industrial solvents and antiseptics, were associated with asthma. While some are banned, they may linger in materials or the environment. Proximity to traffic or factories could also be a factor.

According to Amiri, some of the air toxins identified in the study have been discontinued in the United States but can still be found in stored materials or in people’s backyards or garages. Other air toxins still exist in the environment. The study did not pinpoint the exact sources of the air pollutants or why children from a lower-income neighborhood were highly exposed. However, proximity to sources such as highways with heavy traffic or factories using solvents could play a role in toxin exposure. The findings of this study align with another study conducted in New York City, which also found similar air pollutants associated with asthma outcomes.

This study builds upon previous research conducted by Washington State University, which found that a group of children in a lower-income neighborhood were exposed to more toxic combinations, with 13 of the 25 identified combinations originating from this research.

References
  1. Multiple air pollutants linked to asthma symptoms in children. News release. Science Daily. March 13, 2024. Accessed March 14, 2024. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240313135515.htm
  2. Amiri S, Li YC, Buchwald D, Pandey G. Machine learning-driven identification of air toxic combinations associated with asthma symptoms among elementary school children in Spokane, Washington, USA. Sci Total Environ. 2024;921:171102. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171102

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  • SDG 13: Climate Action

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

  • SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
  • SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
  • SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
  • SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

  • Indicator for SDG 3.9: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
  • Indicator for SDG 11.6: Ambient air pollution levels in cities.
  • Indicator for SDG 12.4: Amount of hazardous chemicals and wastes released to air, water, and soil.
  • Indicator for SDG 13.1: Number of people affected by climate-related hazards and natural disasters.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. Ambient air pollution levels in cities.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. Amount of hazardous chemicals and wastes released to air, water, and soil.
SDG 13: Climate Action 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. Number of people affected by climate-related hazards and natural disasters.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: pharmacytimes.com

 

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