Restrictive Lung Function Patterns and Sex Differences in Primary School Children Exposed to PM2.5 in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand

Pakaphorn Ngamsang, Anurak Wongta, Sawaeng Kawichai, Natthapol Kosashunhanan, Hataichanok Chuljerm, Wiritphon Khiaolaongam, Praporn Kijkuokool, Putita Jiraya, Puriwat Fakfum, Wason Parklak () and Kanokwan Kulprachakarn ()
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Pakaphorn Ngamsang: School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Anurak Wongta: School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Sawaeng Kawichai: Research Center for Non-Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Natthapol Kosashunhanan: School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Hataichanok Chuljerm: School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Wiritphon Khiaolaongam: School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Praporn Kijkuokool: School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Putita Jiraya: Research Center for Non-Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Puriwat Fakfum: School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Wason Parklak: Research Center for Non-Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Kanokwan Kulprachakarn: School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 10, 1-19

Abstract: Northern Thailand experiences annual haze events with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exceeding standards, posing risks to schoolchildren. This cross-sectional study (Chiang Mai, 2024) evaluated respiratory impacts among primary school children aged 8–12 years. Daily mean PM2.5 concentrations were obtained from a single fixed-site monitoring station (36T) located within 2 km of the spirometry site. Among 93 children with acceptable spirometry, 52% exhibited restrictive, 18% obstructive, and 30% had normal function. After adjustment for BMI, males had significantly lower odds of any pulmonary abnormality than females (AOR = 0.084; 95% CI 0.017–0.417; p = 0.002). The mean FEV 1 /FVC ratio was normal (86.30 ± 13.07%), whereas mean FVC, FEV 1 , and PEF were significantly below predicted values, indicating a predominantly restrictive pattern. This predominance likely reflects cumulative exposure to biomass-burning related PM2.5 during the haze season, infiltration of outdoor PM2.5 into indoor environments alongside indoor sources, and the vulnerability of developing lungs in children’s factors that reduce lung volumes while largely preserving the FEV 1 /FVC ratio. The exposure assessment provides pragmatic, proximity-based estimates but is limited by reliance on one station and one season, which may not capture spatial or temporal variability. These findings highlight sex-based susceptibility and support stronger air quality protections for children.

Keywords: air pollution; PM2.5; biomass burning; indoor air pollution; children; restrictive; spirometry; GLI 2012; sex characteristics; Thailand (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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