Peak expiratory flow rates in German children exposed to ambient outdoor air pollution, particulate matter and trace elements

In light of inconsistencies among existing reports and the continued public health impact, the objective of this report is to investigate associations between childhood exposures to ambient particulate matter, gaseous, and trace metal pollution and observable decrements in peak expiratory flow.; We longitudinally followed 70 German children. Linear regression analyses of moving averages of pollution variables and changes in peak flow values were performed utilizing the mixed procedure of SAS.; Analysis of changes in afternoon peak flow yielded a statistically significant negative association for NO3-, strong acid aerosol, and antimony concentrations. No associations were seen for changes in morning peak flow.; In conclusion, this study failed to demonstrate consistent associations between pollutants and peak expiratory flow rates. The data does provide additional evidence for reductions in lung function associated with exposures to low level NO3- and strong acid aerosol concentrations. The significant association observed for antimony suggests further research into health effects of various transition metal species is warranted. This inability to demonstrate consistent relationships supports previous assertions that future research endeavors investigating associations regarding particulate matter and its speciation should target susceptible children with chronic respiratory complaints.