"Background: This study evaluates exposure to airborne particles, respiratory symptoms and lung function among waste-picking child labourers.Methods: We enrolled 103 exposed children at the dump in Managua, Nicaragua, and 103 non-exposed children. Exposure to particles was assessed by area sampling. Health data were obtained from a questionnaire, clinical examination and spirometry. Exposure effects were evaluated with multivariate regression analysis. Results: Exposure to particles was high (PM2.5 >330g/m3), with the highest value where the waste was discharged (1,600g/m3; high exposure). Wheeze was related to exposure status (p= 0.008). Compared to non-exposed children, the odds ratios were for “never highly exposed” 1.83 (95% CI: 0.81 to 4.15), and “ever highly exposed” 3.28 (95%CI: 1.55 to 6.95). Among children with wheeze an effect of high exposure on FEV1 was seen: -13% (95% CI: -15 to -1%).Conclusions: Exposure to small particles was unacceptably high and associated with wheeze, and decreased lung function."

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