Indoor Particulate Matter Associated with Systemic Inflammation in COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic disease characterized by progressive airflow obstruction, along with pulmonary and systemic inflammation. Outdoor PM has been associated with morbidity and mortality in COPD but less is known about effects of indoor air quality. In former smokers with COPD, we investigated in-home PM effects on pulmonary and systemic inflammation, symptoms, and lung function. Participants underwent in-home air monitoring for two weeks and simultaneous health assessments. Median (IQR) PM sub( 2.5)sub was 9 (7) mu g/m super( 3). Increased indoor PM sub( 2.5)sub was associated with increased white blood cells, predominantly neutrophils and lymphocytes, suggesting that even relatively low indoor PM sub( 2.5)sub may elicit a systemic inflammatory response in COPD.