Respiratory Health of a Population Living Downwind from Natural Gas Refineries

Abstract

Since 1958 there has been a perception of excess illness in a rural Canadian population living downwind from two natural gas refineries, the emissions of which contain mostly sulfur dioxide but also hydrogen sulfide. To determine if there was an excess of adverse health outcomes in the population exposed (defined by place of residence), a health survey was undertaken in 1985 in this area and in one unexposed to emissions but demographically similar. Participation was 92% from both the exposed population (n = 2,157) and a representative sample (n = 839) of the main reference population. More respiratory symptoms were reported in the exposed group than in the non-exposed group among those 5 to 13 yrs of age (28% versus 18%) and among never-smokers greater than or equal to 14 yrs of age (35% versus 24%). FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC were similar in both areas. Dichotomizing the level of exposure (high, low) within the exposed area revealed a trend in the high exposure area toward increased respiratory symptoms in the younger age group (39% versus 24%), but decreased symptoms in the older age group (33% versus 36% among never-smokers). FEV1 was similar between the two areas. The excess of respiratory symptoms in the exposed area unassociated with impaired spirometric values would be compatible with increased awareness of health or a small biologic environmental effect.

Lung health in relation to hydrogen sulfide exposure in oil and gas workers in Alberta, Canada

“…These results are in some ways consistent with those reported by Dales et al [1989] in southern Alberta. The investigators found an increase in respiratory symptoms in children aged 5-13 and in never-smokers over the age of 14 who lived downwind from a natural gas refinery.…”

A comparison of the prevalence of respiratory illness and non‐specific health symptoms in two Victorian cities

“…industrial pollution have consistently indicated a relationship between air pollution and respiratory symptoms such as bronchitis or wheeze and cough in children. [2][3][4][5][6][7] Asthma rates among children, however, were not found to be elevated in these studies. Similarly, in adults, community-based studies have found an association between air pollution and bronchitis, but not asthma.…”

Ambient Air Quality and Human Health: Current Concepts, Part 2

“…Adults did not show this effect. Neither adults nor children showed a corresponding difference in pulmonary function (90).…”

“…They do not relate to the period of the study and cannot be correlated to symptoms occurring at the time of the study. Despite these limitations, the authors used the data to construct a crude exposure gradient and reported a possible association (90).…”