Impact of Air Temperature on Lung Health

Study Overview

Researchers conducted a study utilizing data from across the United States to examine how average air temperature influences lung health. Air temperature has been recognized as a significant environmental factor that may impact respiratory well-being. Notably, extreme temperatures can heighten the risk of adverse outcomes for individuals with respiratory conditions. However, the effects of air temperature on the lungs of the general population remain unclear. The findings of this research were published in PLoS ONE.

Research Methodology

The study drew data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which includes a series of surveys that collect questionnaire and medical testing information from samples of the U.S. population. This investigation focused on the NHANES III (1988-1994) and NHANES 2007-2012 periods, during which lung function data was actively collected. Lung function was assessed using the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), indicating the amount of air an individual can exhale in one second. Researchers calculated average annual temperatures for each zip code based on data collected over 30 years and targeted participants in good respiratory health, excluding those with asthma or current tobacco use. In total, 14,088 participants from NHANES III and 14,036 from NHANES 2007-12 were included in the analysis.

Findings on Cold Air and Lung Function

The analysis indicated a significant correlation between higher average air temperatures and decreased lung function across both NHANES cohorts. The results showed a FEV1 decrease of 0.71% in NHANES III and 0.59% in NHANES 2007-12 for every 10°F increase in average temperature. When combined, the cohorts revealed an overall decrease of 0.65% in lung function per 10°F temperature rise. Importantly, outdoor air temperatures remained a predictor of lung function, irrespective of the room temperature during testing.

Study Limitations

The authors acknowledged several limitations in this research. Firstly, there is a possibility that the observed findings stem from unhealthy individuals relocating to warmer climates for perceived health benefits. Additionally, the study utilized a 30-year average temperature to minimize year-to-year variations, which may not accurately represent individual exposure. The authors also noted the inability to assess various factors that could influence results, such as tobacco use history, physical activity levels, allergens, and air pollution. Lastly, while asthma patients were excluded, other individuals with respiratory conditions likely participated, as they were not specifically screened.

Effects of Warm Weather on Lung Health

Overall, the analysis of both separate and combined samples indicated a significant association between increased air temperatures and reduced lung function. The authors suggested that individuals in the warmest regions of the U.S. could experience a lung function decrease of approximately 2% compared to those in the coldest areas, given a 30°F temperature difference. This finding raises important public health concerns, as diminished lung function is a known predictor of mortality. Individuals with chronic lung diseases may be particularly vulnerable to reduced lung function in warmer climates. Furthermore, the authors concluded that rising temperatures linked to climate change could adversely affect lung function in the general population.

Reference

Collaco, J.M., Appel, L.J., McGready, J., and Cutting, G.R. (2018). The relationship of lung function with ambient temperature. PLoS ONE 13(1): e0191409. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0191409

Related Topics of Interest

– Case study suggests lung injury from vaping
– Can we detect lung cancer early with molecular techniques?
– What are effects of vaping on the lungs’ immune cells?
– Health risks of vaping cannabis
– Effects of Disordered Sleep Patterns on Lung Fibrosis