Exposure to industrial air pollution and its association with respiratory symptoms among children in Parit Raja, Batu Pahat

Abstract

Outdoor air pollution for anthropogenic sources is generally caused by the emission of the combustion process which are industries, motor vehicles, and others. These industrial areas emitted a lot of hazardous gases into the atmosphere, polluting the surrounding air to its worse. The close proximity from the industry and duration of stay at the current area could worsen the respiratory health of the children. Compared to adults, children were more likely to get worse implications when exposed to air pollution. This cross-sectional comparative study aimed to determine the exposure to industrial air pollution its association with respiratory symptoms among children aged 3 to 12 years old in Parit Raja, Batu Pahat. Children who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected to participate in this study. Those who reside less than 5 km from the industrial area were chosen as the exposed group, while children living more than 5 km from the industrial areas were selected as the comparative group. A questionnaire adapted from the American Thoracic Society was used to determine children’s background information and respiratory health symptoms. Nature of area, distance from the main road and industrial area, type of house, building materials, and carpet usage were found significant among the groups. There was a significant difference in respiratory health symptoms of cough and phlegm for the exposed and the comparative group at p = 0.038 and p = 0.008, respectively. Phlegm was revealed to be associated with the duration of stay in the current area for the exposed group (OR = 5.149, 95% CI = 1.080-18.365). On the other hand, phlegm and cough had an association with distance from the industrial area at (OR = 3.889, 95% CI = 1.004 - 15.068) and (OR = 6.707, 95% CI = 1.406 - 31.989), respectively. In multiple logistic regression done on phlegm, it was found that duration of stay (years) was the most significant variable after controlling all confounders at (B = 3.469, p = 0.004, AOR = 3.094, 95% CI = 3.108-31.353).

Effects of Residential Proximity to Industrial Zone on Respiratory Symptoms among Residents in Parit Raja, Batu Pahat

“…1). Parit Raja Industrial Park consists of diverse manufacturing enterprises, encompassing wood, furniture, electric, electromagnetic, textile, plastic, and paper production, as well as adhesive and resin manufacturing (19). Industrial activity in the Parit Raja area started since the early 1980s, and the subsequent establishment of the industrial park has significantly contributed to the exposure of air pollutants in the region, affecting the air quality and public health.…”