An Analysis Of The Association Between Coal-Smoke Air Pollution And Respiratory Symptoms And Diseases

Objective The aim of this cohort study was to investigate the correlations between exposure to coal-smoke air pollution and the incidence of respiratory symptoms and diseases, and to explore the risk factors of respiratory symptoms and diseases in toddlers.Methods The prospective cohort study included295neonates selected from4public hospital in Tongliang. In accordance with the exposure of the coal-smoke air pollution, the objects were divided into exposed and control groups. And these two groups of objects were followed up for2years. Questionnaires about children’s historic and recent health status, personal and household characteristics, and other information were obtained from parents.Results (1) Exposure to coal-smoke air pollution increased the incidence of total symptoms (98.37%&57.05%), rhinorrhea and rhinobyon (92.80%&54.36%), cough (82.54%&32.88%), laryngalgia (17.60%&12.59%), wheeze (3.17%&0), cough without catching cold (0.79%&0.66%) and dyspnea (0.79%&0). Incidence of total respiratory symptoms, rhinorrhea and rhinobyon, cough and wheeze was significantly different between exposed group and control group (P<0.05). Logistic regression showed that exposure to coal-smoke air pollution was an independent risk factor of occurrence of total respiratory symptoms (OR=42.837), rhinorrhea and rhinobyon (OR=9.780) and cough (OR=10.281).(2) Incidence of total respiratory diseases, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, paranasal sinusitis, bronchiolitis and pulmonary tuberculosis was not significantly different between exposed group and control group in recent3months.(3) Incidence of bronchitis was significantly different between exposed group and control group during the whole follow-up time (P<0.05). No significant difference was found between the two groups in total respiratory diseases, pneumonia or asthma. Logistic regression showed that exposure to coal-smoke air pollution was an independent risk factor of occurrence of bronchitis in children of2years old (OR=3.003).Conclusions (1) Coal-smoke air pollution increases the incidence of respiratory symptoms in toddlers.(2) There is no significant association between exposure to coal-smoke air pollution and catching respiratory diseases within3months.(3) During the whole follow-up time, coal-smoke air pollution increases the incidence of bronchitis. And there is no significant association between exposure to coal-smoke air pollution and the incidence of total respiratory diseases, pneumonia or asthma.