title: Respiratory health effects of industrial air pollution on children in North Lebanon.
abstract: This study assesses the association between the proximity of residence to cement and fertilizer plants in industrialized districts and respiratory health complaints among children (5-15 years old) in Northern Lebanon. A multi-stage random sample of households was selected from two exposed districts and a third non-industrialized. One child was randomly selected from each household for a total of 486 children. Living within 0-3 km of industries, as compared to living farther away (4-7 km), was associated with a statistically significant increase in the risk for cough with colds (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 3.40), phlegm with colds (OR = 2.14), yearly episodes of cough and phlegm (OR = 4.63), yearly chest colds (OR = 4.12), and wheezing (OR = 2.23). When compared to living in the non-industrialized district, children living within 0-3 km of industries showed a significantly higher risk for yearly chest colds (OR = 2.30). However, living in the 4-7 km region of industries was associated with a lower risk of respiratory complaints, as compared to living in the comparison area. This was attributed to higher altitudes and different meteorological characteristics. A higher risk of respiratory problems was reported among children living close to cement than fertilizer industries. Policy intervention measures are recommended.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Rana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kobrossi
authors.forename: Iman
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Nuwayhid
authors.forename: Abla Mehio
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Sibai
authors.forename: Mutasem
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: El-Fadel
authors.forename: Mustafa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Khogali
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000531:Altitude; D002648:Child; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005308:Fertilizers; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007220:Industrial Waste / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007861:Lebanon / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008420:Manufactured Materials; D008685:Meteorological Concepts; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D018570:Risk Assessment
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D005308:Fertilizers; D007220:Industrial Waste