The association between 1,3-dichloropropene and asthma emergency department visits in California, USA from 2005 to 2011: a bidirectional-symmetric case crossover study

Abstract

Objective: The ever-increasing rate of pesticide use in California farmlands is of great concern due to its potential toxicity on human health. In this study, the association between short term exposure to 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) and asthma emergency department (ED) visits in central and southern California from 2005 to 2011 is investigated.

Methods: 3878 ED visits were identified from 2005 to 2011 (1064 days). Conditional logistic regression models were used to obtain the odds ratio (OR) associated with 0.01 ppb increase in 1,3-D. Potential effect modification by sex, race/ethnicity (Non-Hispanic White, Non-Hispanic Black, or Hispanic), and age (2–5, 6–18, 19–40, 41–64 or ≥ 65) are investigated.

Results: It was found that a 0.01 ppb increase in 1,3-D at the event day is associated with 13.5% [OR = 1.135, 95% CI: 1.123, 1.149] increase in the odds of having asthma ED visits in central and southern California during October to February of 2005 to 2011. Race had a positive association between 1,3-D and asthma ED visits among Non-Hispanic Black [OR= 1.095 95% CI: 1.035, 1.155] and Hispanic [OR= 1.121 95% CI: 1.064, 1.179]; while Non-Hispanic Whites had no association. Positive association for age was found between 1,3-D and asthma ED visits among patients 2 to 5 [OR= 1.065 95% CI: 1.020, 1.133], 6 to 18 [OR= 1.142 95% CI: 1.086, 1.196], and 19 to 40 [OR= 1.023 95% CI: 1.015, 1.073] years old.

Conclusion: These findings suggest a 0.01 ppb increase in 1,3-D concentration increases the odds of having asthma ED visits.

Keywords:

• 1,3-dichloropropene
• pesticide air toxicants
• central and southern California
• asthma ED visits

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank the California's Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) for providing us with the data; and, those who helped us conducting this research.

Compliance with ethical standards

Ethics approval and consent to participate

The study was approved by the State of California Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects. The data used in this analysis does not contain any personal identifiable information. Informed consent was not required because data were anonymous. Additional safeguards included physical and electronic barriers to data access and encryption.

Consent for publication

Not Applicable

Disclosure Statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figure B.1. Daily mean concentration of 1,3-Dichloropropene between 2005 and 2011 in San Joaquin Valley (Fresno-1st Street, Site: 3009).