title: Impact of proximity of thermoelectric power plants on bronchial obstructive crisis rates.
abstract: Environmental 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.
  
  
  
  Population-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, PM2.5and 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.
  
  
  
  BOC rates were significantly higher in Coronel (RR = 4.9 95% CI 4.0-5.8; p < 0.05). The PM2.5it 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.
  
  
  
  Rates 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.
authors.affiliation: Medical Sciences Programs, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.|Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.|Grupo de Investigación en Salud Cardiovascular y Respiratoria (IDEAS-CVR), Concepción, Chile.
authors.forename: Tamara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ugarte-Avilés
authors.affiliation: Medical Sciences Programs, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.|Center for Biomedical Research, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile.
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Manterola
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cartes-Velásquez
authors.affiliation: Medical Sciences Programs, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile. tamara.otzen@ufrontera.cl.|Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, Chile. tamara.otzen@ufrontera.cl.|Universidad Científica del Sur, Chorrillos, Peru. tamara.otzen@ufrontera.cl.|Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile. tamara.otzen@ufrontera.cl.
authors.forename: Tamara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Otzen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D001982:Bronchial Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D002677:Chile / Q000453:epidemiology; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005843:Geography; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011210:Power Plants; D012307:Risk Factors; D013696:Temperature; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Thermoelectric Power Plants; “Airway Obstruction” [Mesh]; “Chile” [Mesh]; “Environmental Pollution” [Mesh]; “Power Plants” [Mesh]