From pollution to exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Air pollution is increasing every year, especially due to the continuous process of industrialization and modernization. In this observational study, we included 38 COPD patients with frequent exacerbating phenotypes and we wanted to see if the values of microparticles with a size of 1.0, 2.5 and 10 μm, recorded in their homes, are above the values recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). An air quality monitoring source was installed in each patient’s home for at least 24 hr and microparticles with a size of 1.0, 2.5 and 10 μm, temperature, pressure and humidity were measured. MEAN PM2.5 values were higher than the values recommended by the WHO, 25.33 µg/m³ vs. 15 µg/m³. Our analysis showed that the levels of microparticles in the homes of patients with COPD, and frequently exacerbating phenotype, are above the limits recommended by the WHO.