Cardio-respiratory disease with contrasted air pollution levels in three municipalities of Abidjan district hospitals, Cote d’Ivoire

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The human health effects for both particulate matter and gaseous contaminants are global public health concern. The objective of this study was to assess any variations of air pollution in contributions from waste burning, heavy motor vehicle traffic and biomass burning and the impact on health in Abidjan, with special attention to cardiorespiratory diseases, METHODS: A survey was conducted during two years in 5 hospitals, 3 months during the rainy and the dry season. We estimated air pollution levels simultaneously with health care assessment with a particular attention for cardio-respiratory diseases. PM2.5 concentration and cardiorespiratory diseases outcomes were recorded in a questionnaire sheet in the district hospitals. The relative Risks (RR) of the relationship between the observed cardiorespiratory outcomes and air pollution exposure were estimated using a Poisson regression model. RESULTS:The results showed that PM2.5 Concentrations from the waste burning and traffic sites were comparable with annual averages of 28.51 µg/m3 and 29.69 µg/m3 respectively. In Yopougon, where domestic fires are common, the annual average is drastically higher at 155.1 µg/m3. PM2.5 were elevated in both seasons with an average of 145µ/m3; more than the one recommended by WHO. Also, cardiorespiratory diseases occurred in 66% and the most affected were women (54%) and children under 18 years old. The highest PM2.5 concentrations were due to biomass burning, seen in Yopougon. Outpatient visits for cardiorespiratory symptoms showed a significant association with PM2.5 concentrations during the rainy season and respiratory outpatient visits were significant throughout the entire year. Overall, we estimate that 143 hospital visits could have been avoided during the rainy seasons of our study period CONCLUSIONS:Accessing to air pollution data has been difficult in developing countries. This survey was one the first conducted so far in Côte d’Ivoire addressing pollutant concentrations and cardiorespiratory outcomes. KEYWORDS: Air pollution, Cardio-respiratory disease, health care