Respiratory symptoms from particulate air pollution related to vehicle traffic in Amman, Jordan

The most air-polluted area in Jordan is Amman city. Total suspended particulate (TSP) and particulate matter 10μm (PM10) in the city mainly originate from motor vehicle sources. The study respondents were 598 residents (cross-sectional comparative study); they were selected using a two-stage simple random sampling method from two study locations with different magnitude of air pollution as high and low air pollution area. Data on respiratory symptoms were collected through (ATS-DLD-78-A). The findings indicate that TSP and PM10 were still significantly correlated with traffic count even after controlling for meteorological parameters (p < 0.001). The most prevalent respiratory symptoms were frequent cough (26.9%), followed by frequent phlegm and shortness of breath (SOB) (23.7%), and wheezing (19.2%). The adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for frequent cough, frequent sputum, wheezing, and SOB of residents in high pollution area (HPA) were (2.63, p < 0.001); (1.57, p = 0.020); (1.47, p = 0.030); and (2.31, p < 0.001), respectively, compared to the residents of the low-pollution area (LPA). TSP and PM10 were significantly associated with vehicle traffic count. Respiratory symptoms were more prevalent among residents of HPA, and those residing close to the main roads.