Abstract
BackgroundEnvironmental pollution is a risk factor for cardiorespiratory diseases. Energy generated by thermoelectric power plants (TEPP) represents a relevant source of pollution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between living near a coal-fired TEPP and the consultation rates for bronchial obstructive crises (BOC) in the province of Concepción, Chile.MethodsPopulation-based study. The epidemiological weeks from 2012 to 2014 were analyzed. The dependent variable was the emergency consultation rate for BOC in two health centers within 5 km of a TEPP (Coronel) and two that were more than 40 Km away from a TEPP (Talcahuano). The independent variables were the commune, climatological variables (air temperature and relative atmospheric humidity), environmental pollutants (PM10, PM2.5 and nitrogen oxide), weeks with the highest consultation rate and the years. Rates, Pearson’s correlation and gross risk measures were calculated and adjusted for environmental and climatological variables.ResultsBOC rates were significantly higher in Coronel (RR = 4.9 95% CI 4.0–5.8; p < 0.05). The PM2.5 it showed the strongest correlation with BOC rates (r = 0.3; p < 0.01) in Coronel, but not Talcahuano. Linear regression modelling indicated that proximity to a TEPP (health center location) and temperature explained 26 and 18% of the variance in BOC rates, respectively.ConclusionsRates of emergency consultation for BOC were significantly higher among a population living within 5 km of a coal-fired TEPP than those living 40 km away.
Highlights
Environmental pollution is a risk factor for cardiorespiratory diseases
The independent variables considered were: climatological variables; presence of environmental pollutants (PM10, PM2.5 and nitrogen oxide, measured in μg/m3); presence/absence of thermoelectric power plants (TEPP) (Coronel/Talcahuano); years and weeks with the highest consultation rate
According to data contributed by the Office of Health Administration (DAS) in Coronel in 2012 there were 53,229 people registered in the participating health centers, 58,170 in 2013 and 56,788 in 2014, of which 46.77% were men and 20.18% were under 14 years
Summary
Environmental pollution is a risk factor for cardiorespiratory diseases. A TEPP produces electrical energy from the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas. Studies conducted in several countries have provided evidence of the link between atmospheric pollutants and the increase in emergency consultations for chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [5, 6,7,8]. Ugarte-Avilés et al BMC Public Health (2017) 17:96 and is associated with psychogenic and environmental components. The latter include pollutants like ozone, nitrogen and sulfur dioxide, causing mainly bronchoconstriction and increase in the production of bronchial secretions [9]
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