REVIEW PAPER
The effect of air pollution on the respiratory system in preschool children with contribution of urban heat islands and geographic data – the aim of the study and methodological assumptions
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1
Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
(Copernicus Memorial Hospital in Łódź, Korczak Pediatric Center, Department of Pediatrics and Allergy)
2
Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
(Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology)
3
Poddębice Health Center, Poddębice, Poland
4
Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
(Department of Social and Preventive Medicine)
Online publication date: 2021-01-08
Corresponding author
Joanna Jerzyńska
Medical University of Lodz, Copernicus Memorial Hospital in Lodz, Korczak Pediatric Center, Department of Pediatrics and
Allergy, Piłsudskiego 71, 90-320 Łódź, Poland
Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(4):453-60
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ABSTRACT
It has been proven that outdoor and indoor air pollutants can cause adverse health effects and are able to promote the onset of atopic diseases.
The current manuscript is focused on methodological issues. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of air pollution, urban environment, and
urban heat islands (UHIs) on the occurrence of respiratory diseases including allergic rhinitis, asthma and wheezing in preschool children. The study
group consists of 276 five-year-old children attending randomly selected kindergartens in the urban and rural areas of the Łódź Voivodeship.
The questionnaire including data on the child’s state of health and socio-economic data will be filled by the caregivers. The children will undergo skin
prick testing and the measurement of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath. The key components of air pollution – particulate matter (PM)
will be measured by personal meters. The PM sampling planned in the study will take 12 h for PM2.5 and for PM10 alike. Data on the level of outdoor
air pollution will be collected based on the results obtained from air monitoring stations. The impact of air pollution, UHIs and the environment on
the respiratory system and the presence of allergies in children, including chronic respiratory diseases, will be assessed. The project results will provide
a scientific basis for the development of preventive programs in the population of children in the Łódź Voivodeship, adapted to the real health needs
of society. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(4):453–60