Work

Particulate air pollution and susceptibility to the development of pulmonary tuberculosis disease in North Carolina: an ecological study

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: Although Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the causative agent of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), environmental factors may influence disease progression. Ecologic studies conducted in countries outside the USA with high levels of air pollution and PTB have suggested a link between active disease and ambient air pollution. The present investigation is the first to examine the ambient air pollution-PTB association in a country, where air pollution levels are comparatively lower. We used Poisson regression models to examine the association of outdoor air pollutants, PM10 and PM2.5 with rates of PTB in North Carolina residents during 1993-2007. Results suggest a potential association between long-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) and PTB disease. In view of the high levels of air pollution and high rates of PTB worldwide, a potential association between ambient air pollution and tuberculosis warrants further study.

Source: International Journal of Environmental Health Research

DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2013.800959

Authors: Genee S. Smith, Victor J. Schoenbach, David B. Richardson, Marilie D. Gammon

Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Language: English

Topic: Air Quality and Health Impacts

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences