Short-term effects of air pollution on childhood respiratory symptoms in general practice: a time-series analysis
Our findings expose a critical paradox on the impact of air pollution. For clinicians counselling families, these results emphasise that 'good' overall air quality days may still pose risks, although effects are small. High O<sub>3</sub> increases total respiratory visits while particulate matter, though appearing protective overall, specifically exacerbates AURIs, asthma and cough. This divergence between total and specific respiratory effects indicates that comprehensive air quality policies must consider pollutant-specific impacts rather than assuming uniform effects.
Authors
- Patrick Bindels (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5941-4820)
- Arthur M. Bohnen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6645-9100)
- Sef van den Elshout (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5433-2228)
- Mata Sabine Fonderson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5262-3475)
- Evelien R. van Meel (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0826-9931)
- Alex Burdorf (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3129-2862)
- Saskia M. Willers
Institutions
- Erasmus MC (NL)
- DCMR Milieudienst Rijnmond (NL)
- Erasmus University Rotterdam (NL)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMJ Paediatrics Open
- Published
- 2025-08-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2024-002892
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Air Quality and Health Impacts
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.20
Funders
- Erasmus Medisch Centrum
- Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum