Comparison of Pulmonary Function Test in School - Age Children in Clean and Polluted Air in Tehran, Iran

Background: Children seem to be more susceptible to deleterious effects of air pollution related to respiratory functional parameters as compared to adults and thus quite perceptively assessment of these pathological changes among children is necessary. The present study aimed to assess the effects of air pollution on respiratory functional parameters among primary school children in Tehran, Iran. Methods: This cross - sectional survey was performed on 102 children aged less than 12 years studying at a primary school in Tehran in 2015. At two time points with healthy and unhealthy air conditions (December 2015 and May 2016), all eligible children were evaluated with respect to respiratory functional parameters (FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FVC, PEF, FEF25 - 75) using a spirometer. Results: There were significant differences in respiratory some parameters including FEV1 (P = 0.013) and PEF (P = 0.003) between the two times of respiratory assessment, no difference was found in some others such as FVC, FEV1/FVC and FEF25 - 75. Conclusions: Air pollution can be harmful for respiratory functional status in children by reducing FEV1 and PEF parameters.