Health effects of daily indoor nitrogen dioxide exposure in people with asthma

Abstract

Household gas appliances produce nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which may be associated with an increase in symptoms in asthmatics. The relationship between indoor NO2 exposure, and respiratory symptoms in people with asthma was evaluated. Self-reported asthmatics (n=125) wore lapel badges that measured NO2 daily over 6 weeks at home. Outdoor pollutants, spores and meteorological parameters were measured daily, in addition to smoking status and demographic factors. Seven asthma symptoms were recorded in diaries, for analysis by same day and also with 1 day lag exposures, using a generalized estimating equation. Significant interactions were demonstrated between NO2 at age < or =14 yrs, with respect to the symptoms of chest tightness on the same day (odds ratio (OR): 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16-1.43) and with a 1 day lag (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.14-1.46), breathlessness on exertion with a 1 day lag (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.00-1.28), daytime asthma attacks on the same day (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.02-1.26) night asthma attacks on the same day (OR: 1.16, 95% CI:1.03-1.30) and with a 1 day lag (OR: 1.15, 95% CI; 1.03-1.29) after adjustment for potential confounders. A significant interaction between NO2 and age 35-49 yrs was demonstrated for coughs with a 1 day lag (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.01-1.31). Daily personal exposures to NO2 are associated with asthmatic symptoms in children.