Comparative assessment of Industrial air pollutant exposure on pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms among primary school children, Kala Amb, Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, India

Rashmi Kashyap; Deepesh Barall; Saligram Mazta

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20203436

Authors

Rashmi Kashyap Department of Community Medicine Dr. Y. S. Parmar Government Medical College and Hospital, Nahan, Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, India
Deepesh Barall Department of Community Medicine Dr. Y. S. Parmar Government Medical College and Hospital, Nahan, Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, India
Saligram Mazta Department of Community Medicine Dr. Y. S. Parmar Government Medical College and Hospital, Nahan, Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20203436

Keywords:

Lung function, Respiratory symptoms, Spirometry

Abstract

Background: Outdoor air quality has been connected with the prevalence of allergic respiratory infections in children. The impact of industrial pollution on respiratory health during early years of life in school children is a major concern. Pulmonary function tests can be used to assess the impact of air pollution and the degree of airway reactivity.

Methods: A cross sectional comparative study was conducted between Primary school children aged 6 to 10 years in the industrial area and non-industrial area. Structured questionnaire based data was recorded from the students regarding respiratory symptoms. Spirometric parameters recorded were Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume at one second (FEV1), Maximal Midexpiratory flow (FEF 25-75%) and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR).

Results: Data from 102 students from each of the two primary schools revealed mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) as 1.01±0.31 L/sec in industrial area and 1.12±0.34 L/sec in non-industrial area (p=0.01). Four or more episodes of allergic rhinitis in the last year were present in 24/84 (28.5%) children in the industrial area as compared to 8/90 (8.8%) in the non-industrial area (p=0.002). Point prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 36 (35.3%) students in industrial area and 22 (21.6%) students in non-industrial area (p=0.03).

Conclusions: Industrial air pollution has impact on the lung function tests of school children in the age group of 6 to 10 years with significant difference in spirometric parameters of FEV1, frequency of episodes of allergic rhinitis and point prevalence of allergic rhinitis.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

Children’s health and the environment in Europe: a baseline assessment. Copenhagen, WHO, 2007. Available at: http://www.euro.who.int/Document/E90767.pdf. Accessed 29 May 2008.

Health effects of transport-related air pollution. Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2005. Available at: http://www.euro.who.int/document/e86650.pdf Accessed 2 June 2008.

World Health Organization European Centre for Environment and Health. Effects of air pollution on children’s health and development - a review of the evidence. Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2005. Available at: http://www.euro.who.int/document/E86575.pdf. Accessed 2 June 2008.

Kurt OK, Zhang J, Pinkerton KE. Pulmonary health effects of air pollution. Pulm Med. 2016;22:138-43.

Goyal A, Khaliq F. Pulmonary functions and ambient air pollution in residents of Delhi. Ind J Med Special. 2011 Jul 1;2(2):96-100.

Pascal L, Pascal M, Stempfelet M, Goria S, Declercq C. Ecological study on hospitalizations for cancer, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases in the industrial area of Etang-de-Berre in the South of France. J Environ Public Health. 2013;2013:1-13.

Smargiassi A, Goldberg MS, Wheeler AJ, Plante C, Valois MF, Mallach G, et al. Associations between personal exposure to air pollutants and lung function tests and cardiovascular indices among children with asthma living near an industrial complex and petroleum refineries. Environ Res. 2014;132:38-45.

Nirel R, Maimon N, Fireman E, Agami S, Eyal A, Peretz A. Respiratory hospitalizations of children living near a hazardous industrial site adjusted for prevalent dust: A case-control study. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2015;218:273-9.

Götschi T, Heinrich J, Sunyer J, Künzli N. Long-Term Effects of Ambient Air Pollution on Lung Function A Review. Epidemiology. 2008;19:690-701.

Wichmann FA, Müller A, Busi LE, Cianni N, Massolo L, Schlink U, et al. Increased asthma and respiratory symptoms in children exposed to petrochemical pollution. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009;123:632-8.

Rusconi F, Catelan D, Accetta G, Peluso M, Pistelli R, Barbone F, et al. Asthma Symptoms, Lung Function, and Markers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Children Exposed to Oil Refinery Pollution. J Asthma. 2011;48:84-90.

Fung KP, Lau SP, Chow OK, Lee J, Wong TW. Effects of overweight on lung function. Arch Dis Child. 1990;65:512-5.

Bhattacharya AK, Banerjee S. Vital capacity in children and young adults of India. Indian Med Res. 1966;54:62-71.

Sharma PP, Gupta P, Deshpande R, Gupta P. Lung function values in healthy children (10-15 years). Indian J Pediatr. 1997;64:85-91.

Vijayan VK, Reetha AM, Kuppurao KV, Venkatesan P, Thilakavathy S. Pulmonary function in normal south Indian children aged 7 to 19 years. Indian J Chest Dis Allied Sci. 2000;42:147-56.

Suh M, Kim HH, Sohn MH, Kim KE, Kim C, Shin DC. Prevalence of Allergic Diseases among Korean School-age Children: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study. J Korean Med Sci. 2011 Mar 1;26(3):332-8.

Kherkheulidze M, Chkhaidze I, Adamia N, Kavlashvili N, Kandelaki E. Incidence of allergic rhinitis and respiratory infections in first grade school children in georgia. Georgian Med News. 2015 Jun;(243):34-8.