Nitrogen Dioxide and Respiratory Illness in Children. Part 1. Health Outcomes. Part 2. Assessment of Exposure to Nitrogen Dioxide

摘要

Nitrogen dioxide, a common indoor and outdoor air pollutant, is a by-product of high-temperature combustion. Indoor levels of nitrogen dioxide are often higher than outdoor concentrations, especially in homes where there are unvented heating and cooking appliances that utilize natural gas, kerosene, coal, or wood. Such exposures are of concern because some studies suggest that children exposed to nitrogen dioxide have more respiratory illnesses than those who are not exposed. Although mild respiratory illnesses in infants and young children are quite common, more serious illnesses can be life-threatening and might increase the risk of developing lung disease later in life. The epidemiologic studies that have examined the role of nitrogen dioxide in childhood respiratory disease have produced inconsistent results, partly because of the difficulty of assessing exposures and measuring respiratory illness in a community setting. This study was conducted to address the limitations of previous studies and to help resolve whether exposure to nitrogen dioxide increases the incidence or duration, or both, of respiratory illness in infants.