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A Comparison between Two Exposure Assessment Methods for Traffic Related Air Pollution (TRAP) and Their Ability to Predict Lung Function and Disease SeverityiIn Asthmatic Children

Wolfe, Christopher L

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2014, MS, University of Cincinnati, Medicine: Epidemiology (Environmental Health).
Background: Land use regression (LUR) is frequently used in epidemiologic studies to estimate interurban exposure to traffic related air pollution (TRAP), but its use can be limited by cost, time, and transferability. In contrast, weighted road density (WRD) may provide a simple, surrogate measure of TRAP exposure based on available road networks. Each method was evaluated with regard to estimating TRAP exposure and its ability to predict lung function and asthma severity in a cohort of asthmatic children in Cincinnati, OH. We also evaluated the relationship between WRD and asthma severity. Methods: Concentrations of elemental carbon attributable to traffic (ECAT) were obtained from 27 sampling sites previously used to construct a LUR model in Cincinnati, OH. A WRD model was developed by calculating the length of all roads within 400m of the sampling sites and dividing by the total area. Road densities were then weighted according to road type based on size and traffic flow, and the correlation between ECAT and WRD was determined. LUR and WRD models were then applied to estimate TRAP exposure at the homes of 132 asthmatic children. The relationship between WRD and asthma severity was evaluated using general estimating equations (GEE). A subset of children had pulmonary function data (n = 116). The association between estimated TRAP exposure from each both WRD and LUR models and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and % predicted FEV1 were examined by linear regression. Results: WRD was significantly associated with sampled ECAT concentrations (R2 = 0.64), though less so than the LUR model (R2 = 0.75). Residential ECAT estimates derived by LUR were significantly correlated with WRD (r = 0.71, p = <0.01). WRD was associated with increased risk of moderate asthma (OR 3.94; 95% CI: 2.82 – 5.52) per IQR increase. No significant association was observed between higher residential WRD and severe asthma. Both WRD and LUR estimates were associated with reduced lung function. An inter-quartile range (IQR) increase in WRD was associated with a 40 ml reduction in FEV1 (p = 0.03). Similarly, a 70 ml decrease in FEV1 (p =0.01) and a 4.4% decrease in % predicted FEV1 was estimated per IQR increase in ECAT (p = <0.01) Conclusions: WRD may be a suitable alternative for LUR under circumstances where a sampling network and other data are not available. Higher residential WRD was a significant risk factor for moderate, but not severe asthma. Both WRD and LUR predicted decrements in lung function associated with TRAP exposure.
Patrick Ryan, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Grace Lemasters, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
39 p.

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Citations

  • Wolfe, C. L. (2014). A Comparison between Two Exposure Assessment Methods for Traffic Related Air Pollution (TRAP) and Their Ability to Predict Lung Function and Disease SeverityiIn Asthmatic Children [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1399629695

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wolfe, Christopher. A Comparison between Two Exposure Assessment Methods for Traffic Related Air Pollution (TRAP) and Their Ability to Predict Lung Function and Disease SeverityiIn Asthmatic Children. 2014. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1399629695.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wolfe, Christopher. "A Comparison between Two Exposure Assessment Methods for Traffic Related Air Pollution (TRAP) and Their Ability to Predict Lung Function and Disease SeverityiIn Asthmatic Children." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1399629695

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)