Effects of pollution on health of residents in an industrial area in Sri lanka

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The effect of industrialisation on the health of people living in industrial areas of Sri Lanka is not known. METHOD: A cross sectional comparative prevalence study was done in two randomly selected populations [population 1: from Ekala industrial zone (I), and 2; from nonindustrialised suburban area (Controls)] using Illnesses related interview (using a pre-tested questionnaire), clinical examination and peak expiratory flow rate measurement. RESULTS: Population: Age 1-12y; I: n=81 (male: female=36:45), C: n=73 (male:female = 32:41); Age >12y; I: n=158 (male:female = 51:107), C: n=146 (male:female=58:88). There was no difference in demographic characteristics between the two populations. In the l-12y age group; prevalence of cough I: 15/81 (191%) and C: 5/73 (7%) [OR: 3.09 (Cl; 0.98 -10.3), p= 0.05] and rhinitis I: 18/81 (22%) and C: 5/73 (7%) [OR: 3.09 (CI; 0.9840.3) p=0.01). In the >12y group; unexplained cough L 22/158 (14%) and C: 8/146 (5.4%) [OR: 2.79 (CI; 1.13-7.09), p=0.02], unexplained headache I: 60/158 (38%) and C: 33/146 (23%) [OR 2.1(CI; 1.23-3.58), P-0.003], rhinitis L 20/158 (13%) and C: 9/14 (6.2%) [OR: 2.21 (CI; 0,91-5.44) p=0.08], PEF; females (<4201/min) I: 43/91 (47%) and C: 22/8] (27%) [OR: 2.4 (CI; 1,21-4-8) p= 0.006] and males (<4701/min) I: 16/32 (50%) and C: 8/40 (20%) [OR: 4 (CI; 1,26-12.9) p=0.01). There were no significant differences in frequency of medical consultations, miscarriages, birth defects, wheezing, and skin conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Both children and adults living in the industrial zone seem to be more at risk of respiratory disorders other than bronchial asthma. The occurrence of unexplained headache is a new finding, which needs further evaluation.