Air Pollution and Pesticides Linked to Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease in British Columbia
A new study conducted by B.C. Children’s Hospital (BCCH) has found a correlation between air pollution and agricultural pesticides with the development of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children in the province of British Columbia. The study analyzed data from BCCH patients between 2001 and 2016 to identify geographical hot spots for PIBD and determine the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the risk of developing the disorder.
About Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD is a group of chronic disorders, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause inflammation in the small or large intestine. Common symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis include diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal pain, cramping, blood in the stool, reduced appetite, and unintended weight loss.
“Canada has some of the highest rates documented of pediatric IBD in the world. There’s something about environments within Canada that is triggering the onset of this disease,” said Mielle Michaux, a medical geographer and researcher involved in the study.
The study conducted by BCCH is considered the first step in understanding the impact of IBD on British Columbians, but further research is needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the disease.
“Understanding this disease allows us to provide the best possible care and help families understand why they or a family member develops the disease,” said Dr. Kevan Jacobson, a pediatric gastroenterologist and another researcher involved in the study.
According to Jacobson, pediatric IBD cases have been increasing since 2018. In the past year, BC Children’s Hospital diagnosed 160 children, the highest number of diagnoses ever recorded in a single year.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The findings of this study align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. These goals aim to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages (SDG 3), as well as take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (SDG 13).
IBD Risk Factors
The study identified pediatric IBD hot spots in the Southern Okanagan region and several areas in the Lower Mainland, including Maple Ridge, Delta, and Surrey. In contrast, the East Kootenay area and Telegraph Creek in Northwestern B.C. were found to have low IBD rates.
“In other provinces, higher rates of IBD have been associated with denser urban areas. However, in B.C., that’s not really the case,” said Michaux. She added that higher rates were observed in suburban areas, suggesting that different environmental factors may be triggering IBD in British Columbia.
Further analysis revealed that fine particulate matter, a pollutant emitted from burning sources, and petroleum pesticides used in orchards and grape production were more likely to increase the risk of developing IBD.
“We are the first study that we know of to identify pesticide exposure as associated with increased IBD,” said Michaux. She emphasized the need for follow-up studies to confirm these associations.
The study also found that the South Asian population has a higher risk of developing IBD, while Indigenous populations have a lower risk. Previous studies have observed a low family incidence of IBD among the South Asian population, indicating the importance of environmental factors in disease development.
Importance of Funding
Professor Kelly McNagny from the University of British Columbia highlighted the role of genetics in determining the development of IBD. He explained that genetic factors may be dormant in families but can be “switched on” after exposure to certain environments.
“There’s a genetic component, but when you move into a new environment that might enhance your susceptibility further, you might be getting a double whammy,” said McNagny. He emphasized the need for further studies to investigate the relationship between environmental pollutants and IBD.
McNagny also stressed the need for increased funding for health research in Canada. While research is underway for treatment and risk factors of IBD, more resources are required to support all types of health research.
“During COVID, almost every other industrialized country started spending more on research. However, Canada’s funding has remained stagnant for over 10 years,” said McNagny. He called for increased investment in health-care research to save lives and address pressing health issues.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | – Air pollution and agricultural pesticides associated with pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children – Fine particulate matter and petroleum pesticides identified as risk factors for IBD |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | – Pediatric IBD hot spots in suburban areas rather than denser urban areas – Fine particulate matter emitted from burning identified as a risk factor for IBD |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounts | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination (under SDG 3)
- Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally (under SDG 6)
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management (under SDG 11)
- Target 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounts (under SDG 15)
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Air pollution and agricultural pesticides associated with pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children (under Target 3.9)
- Fine particulate matter and petroleum pesticides identified as risk factors for IBD (under Target 3.9 and Target 11.6)
- Pediatric IBD hot spots in suburban areas rather than denser urban areas (under Target 11.6)
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | – Air pollution and agricultural pesticides associated with pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children – Fine particulate matter and petroleum pesticides identified as risk factors for IBD |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | – Pediatric IBD hot spots in suburban areas rather than denser urban areas – Fine particulate matter emitted from burning identified as a risk factor for IBD |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounts | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
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Source: cbc.ca
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