Short term seasonal effects of airborne fungal spores on lung function in a panel study of schoolchildren residing in informal settlements of the Western Cape of South Africa. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Olaniyan, Toyib; Dalvie, Mohamed Aqiel; Röösli, Martin; Naidoo, Rajen N.; Künzli, Nino; de Hoogh, Kees; Berman, Dilys; Parker, Bhawoodien; Leaner, Joy; Jeebhay, Mohamed F.
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 260(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Fungal spores -- Particulate matter -- Children -- Lung function -- South Africa; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The individual effects of biological constituents of particulate matter (PM) such as fungal spores, on lung function in children are not well known. This study investigated the seasonal short-term effect of daily variation in Alternaria and Cladosporium fungal spores on lung function in schoolchildren. Methods: This panel study evaluated 313 schoolchildren in informal settlements of the Western Cape of South Africa, exposed to spores of two commonly encountered fungi, Alternaria and Cladosporium species. The children provided forced-expiratory volume in 1-s (FEV1 ) and peak-expiratory flow (PEF) measurements thrice daily for two consecutive school-weeks in summer and winter. Daily PM10 levels, from a stationary ambient air quality monitor and fungal spore levels using spore traps were measured in each study area throughout the year. The effects of Alternaria and Cladosporium spores, on lung function were analysed for lag periods up to five-days, adjusting-for PM10, other pollen exposures, study area, and other host and meteorological factors. Same-day exposure-response curves were computed for both fungal species. Results: There was more variability in Alternaria spores level with noticeable peaks in summer. There were consistent lag-effects for Alternaria on PEF compared to Cladosporium, with the largest PEF deficit observed in winter (mean deficit: 13.78 L/min, 95%CI: 24.34 to −3.23 L/min) per 10spores/m 3 increase in Alternaria spores on lag day-2. Although there were no observable lag-effects for Alternaria and Cladosporium on FEV1, same-day effects of Cladosporium spores on FEV1 was present across both seasons. Threshold effects of Alternaria on both PEF and FEV1 deficits were apparent at levels of 100 spores/m 3, but could not be explored for Cladosporium beyond the levels observed during the study. Conclusion: The study provides evidence for the independent effects of daily exposure to ambient fungal spores of Alternaria and Cladosporium on lung function deficits, more especially in winter for PEF. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Reduced lung function following exposure to Alternaria and Cladosporium spores. The effects are lagged and more apparent in winter. Threshold effects of Alternaria apparent at levels of 100 spores/m 3 . Lung function deficits were independent of particulate matter and Poaceae pollen. Abstract : This study provided evidence of delayed lung function deficits beyond the actual day of exposure of schoolchildren to Alternaria and Cladosporium spores, with more apparent effects in winter, which was independent of particulate matter and other pollen exposures.