This study examines the relationship
between childhood exposure to air pollution and diagnosis with chronic non-respiratory
health outcomes in adulthood. This prospective cohort study uses data collected
in the 1970/1980s from 395 children, including exposure to air pollution. Over
thirty years later, a survey collected data on various health outcomes,
including diagnosis with arthritis, high blood pressure, long-term skin
conditions, and hay fever allergies. Logistic regression modeling was performed
to examine the relative contribution of childhood exposure to air pollution on
chronic non-respiratory health outcomes in adulthood. Childhood exposure to SO2 emerged as a significant predictor of arthritis (OR = 2.73, 95% CI 1.20 - 6.18) and high blood pressure (OR = 2.82, 95% CI 1.23 - 6.47). Other significant predictors
include respiratory symptoms during childhood, family income during childhood
and adulthood, property tenure, employment status, residential exposures, life
events, physical activity, and body mass index. Childhood exposure to air
pollution did not emerge as a significant predictor of long-term skin
conditions or hay fever allergies. Findings contribute to the debate on the
health effects of air pollution, indicating that the health impacts of
childhood exposure to air pollution may include chronic inflammatory disorders
in adulthood.