Health effects of daily airborne particle dose in children: Direct association between personal dose and respiratory health effects

Air pollution is a widespread health problem associated with respiratory symptoms. Continuous exposure monitoring was performed to estimate alveolar and tracheobronchial dose, measured as deposited surface area, for 103 children and to evaluate the long-term effects of exposure to airborne particles through spirometry, skin prick tests and measurement of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO). The mean daily alveolar deposited surface area dose received by children was 1.35 × 103 mm2. The lowest and highest particle number concentrations were found during sleeping and eating time. A significant negative association was found between changes in pulmonary function tests and individual dose estimates. Significant differences were found for asthmatics, children with allergic rhinitis and sensitive to allergens compared to healthy subjects for eNO. Variation is a child's activity over time appeared to have a strong impact on respiratory outcomes, which indicates that personal monitoring is vital for assessing the expected health effects of exposure to particles. •Particle dose was estimated through personal monitoring on more than 100 children.•We focused on real-time daily dose of particle alveolar deposited surface area.•Spirometry, skin prick and exhaled Nitric Oxide tests were performed.•Negative link was found between changes in pulmonary functions and individual doses.•A child's lifestyle appeared to have a strong impact on health respiratory outcomes. The respiratory health effects of daily airborne particle dose on children through personal monitoring.