There is an association between exposure to traffic-related air pollutants and the incidence of otitis media. - GreenMedInfo Summary
Traffic-related air pollution and otitis media.
Environ Health Perspect. 2006 Sep;114(9):1414-8. PMID: 16966098
University of British Columbia, School of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. [email protected]
BACKGROUND: Otitis media is one of the most common infections in young children. Although exposure to environmental tobacco smoke is a known risk factor associated with otitis media, little information is available regarding the potential association with air pollution.
OBJECTIVE: We set out to study the relationship between exposure to traffic-related air pollution and otitis media in two birth cohorts.
METHODS: Individual estimates of outdoor concentrations of traffic-related air pollutants-nitrogen dioxide, fine particles [particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters
RESULTS: Odds ratios (adjusted for known major risk factors) for otitis media indicated positive associations with traffic-related air pollutants. An increase in 3 microg/m3 PM2.5, 0.5 microg/m3 elemental carbon, and 10 microg/m3 NO2 was associated with odds ratios of 1.13 (95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.27) , 1.10 (1.00-1.22) , and 1.14 (1.03-1.27) in the Netherlands and 1.24 (0.84-1.83) , 1.10 (0.86-1.41) , and 1.14 (0.87-1.49) in Germany, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate an association between exposure to traffic-related air pollutants and the incidence of otitis media. Given the ubiquitous nature of air pollution exposure and the importance of otitis media to children's health, these findings have significant public health implications.