Abstract
Background.Many studies have investigated the effects of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) on adverse health outcomes. However, studies addressing the link between respiratory health and OCPs are limited. Organochlorine pesticides are stable compounds and belong to the class of endocrine disrupting chemicals that represent a threat to global health.Objectives.The aim of the present study was to examine the association between respiratory morbidity and environmental exposure to OCPs in selected regions in Armenia.Methods.The study was carried out in Lori and Gegharkunik provinces/marzes. The prevalence rate (per 100 000 population) and the average chronological indicators (ACh) for all respiratory diseases and asthma were calculated. Concentrations of OCPs (γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane [DDT], dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and dichloro-diphenyl-dichloroethane (DDD)) were determined in soil and plant product samples and the average annual total concentration (AATC) of OCPs (γ-HCH + 4,4′-DDT + 4,4′-DDE+4,4′-DDD) was calculated.Results.The ACI for all respiratory diseases showed a growth tendency in areas of Gegharkunik province ranging from 14.2 to 20.9% and an increase in asthma ranging from 9.4% to 174.6%. The highest levels of AATC of OCPs were found in soil sampled in Gegharkunik province: 9.48 ± 1.11 μg/kg and 8.10 ± 1.05 μg/kg and these levels differed significantly from those in Lori (p=0.01–0.0007). The AATC of OCPs in plant products from Gegharkunik was also statistically higher: 1.83±0.13 μg/kg, in comparison with that of Lori province 1.31±0.09 μg/kg (p = 0.001 – 0.0000).Conclusions.The results indicate that the increased tendency of respiratory diseases and asthma could be related to OCP residues found in soil and plant products in Gegharkunik province. However, the role of OCPs should not be ignored. Further research is needed to study OCP contamination dynamics and clarify the role of OCPs in respiratory morbidity.Competing Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests.
Highlights
Chronic respiratory diseases are a serious public health problem in all countries throughout the world
The results indicate that the increased tendency of respiratory diseases and asthma could be related to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) residues found in soil and plant products in Gegharkunik province
The average chronological indicators (ACh) for the respiratory diseases calculated for Spitak decreased by 31.6%, while in Stepanavan and Tashir, it increased by 3.95% and 23.5%, respectively
Summary
Chronic respiratory diseases are a serious public health problem in all countries throughout the world. The AATC of OCPs in plant products from Gegharkunik was statistically higher: 1.83±0.13 μg/kg, in comparison with that of Lori province 1.31±0.09 μg/kg (p = 0.001 - 0.0000). The results indicate that the increased tendency of respiratory diseases and asthma could be related to OCP residues found in soil and plant products in Gegharkunik province. J Health Pollution 31: (210904) 2021 © Pure Earth bronchitis.[7,8] In children the most common chronic disease is asthma and this is significantly impacted by a number of environmental exposures.[9] Research findings show that children living in rural areas are at a higher risk of airborne pesticide exposure and there are possible links between respiratory and allergic symptoms and this type of exposure.[9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
