AUTHOR=Zheng Jinzhen , Liu Sha , Peng Jieqi , Peng Huanhuan , Wang Zihui , Deng Zhishan , Li Chenglong , Li Naijian , Tang Longhui , Xu Jianwu , Li Jingwen , Li Bing , Zhou Yumin , Ran Pixin 

TITLE=Traffic-related air pollution is a risk factor in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 10 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1036192

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2022.1036192

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=Background Outdoor traffic-related air pollution has negative effects on respiratory health. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of outdoor traffic-related air pollution on COPD in Guangzhou.
Methods We enrolled 1460 residents aged 40 years or older between January 21, 2014 and January 31, 2018. We administered questionnaires and spirometry tests. The distance of participants’ residence or location of outdoor activities from busy roads (as indicators of outdoor traffic-related air pollution), indoor air pollution, and smoking history were queried in the questionnaires.
Results Among 1460 residents with valid survey and test results, 292 were diagnosed with COPD, a detection rate of 20%. Participants whose dwelling and outdoor activities were closer to busy roads had a higher detection rate of COPD. Among residents living at distances of less than 50 meters, 50–199 meters, and more than 200 meters from busy roads, the detection rates were 20.6%, 21.2%, and 14.8%, respectively; the rates for outdoor activities at these distances were 23.8%, 24.5%, and 13.7%, respectively (p<0.05). After adjusting for sex, age, smoking status, family history, and smoking index, the distance of outdoor activities from busy roads was an independent risk factor for COPD. Participants whose outdoor activities were conducted <50 meters and 50–199 meters from a main roads had an odds ratio of 1.54 (95% confidence interval 1.01–2.36) and 1.84 (95% interval 1.23–2.76) for the risk of COPD, in comparison with a distance of more than 200 meters from busy roads.
Conclusions Residents of Guangzhou whose outdoor activities were close to busy roads had a high risk of COPD. Traffic-related air pollution presents a risk to human health and a risk of COPD.