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Increased wheeze but not bronchial hyperreactivity near power stations
J A Halliday1, R L Henry, R G Hankin
1Department of Paediatrics and Epidemiology, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Children living near power stations reported more asthma symptoms, despite similar bronchial hyper-reactivity and atopy. Lung function was also lower in the power station town, confirming increased symptomatic illness near these facilities.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Respiratory Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- A previous study indicated a higher prevalence of asthma in Lake Munmorah, a town situated near two power stations.
- Socioeconomic factors may influence health outcomes, necessitating a comparison with a control area of similar socioeconomic status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare atopy, bronchial hyperreactivity, and reported asthma symptoms in children residing in a town near power stations versus a socioeconomically similar control town.
- To investigate potential environmental health impacts of power stations on pediatric respiratory health.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Lake Munmorah and Dungog, NSW, Australia.
- Participants included children aged 5-12 years from kindergarten to year 6.
- Data collected included questionnaires on reported symptoms and objective measures of lung function, atopy, and bronchial reactivity.
Main Results:
- Children in Lake Munmorah reported significantly higher rates of current wheeze (24.8%) compared to Dungog (14.6%).
- Bronchial hyperreactivity was similar between the two towns (25.2% vs 22.3%).
- Mean baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was lower in Lake Munmorah. After adjusting for confounders, the odds of current wheeze were more than double in Lake Munmorah.
Conclusions:
- Children in the power station town exhibited lower baseline lung function and higher reported asthma symptoms.
- Bronchial hyperreactivity and atopy were comparable between the two communities.
- The findings support the hypothesis of increased symptomatic respiratory illness in areas proximal to power stations.