Dataset Information

Association between residential proximity to fuel-fired power plants and hospitalization rate for respiratory diseases.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Air pollution is known to cause respiratory disease. Unlike motor vehicle sources, fuel-fired power plants are stationary.

Objective

Using hospitalization data, we examined whether living near a fuel-fired power plant increases the likelihood of hospitalization for respiratory disease.

Methods

Rates of hospitalization for asthma, acute respiratory infection (ARI), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were estimated using hospitalization data for 1993-2008 from New York State in relation to data for residences near fuel-fired power plants. We also explored data for residential proximity to hazardous waste sites.

Results

After adjusting for age, sex, race, median household income, and rural/urban residence, there were significant 11%, 15%, and 17% increases in estimated rates of hospitalization for asthma, ARI, and COPD, respectively, among individuals > 10 years of age living in a ZIP code containing a fuel-fired power plant compared with one that had no power plant. Living in a ZIP code with a fuel-fired power plant was not significantly associated with hospitalization for asthma or ARI among children < 10 years of age. Living in a ZIP code with a hazardous waste site was associated with hospitalization for all outcomes in both age groups, and joint effect estimates were approximately additive for living in a ZIP code that contained a fuel-fired power plant and a hazardous waste site.

Conclusions

Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that exposure to air pollution from fuel-fired power plants and volatile compounds coming from hazardous waste sites increases the risk of hospitalization for respiratory diseases.

SUBMITTER: Liu X

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3385425 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Association between residential proximity to fuel-fired power plants and hospitalization rate for respiratory diseases.

Liu Xiaopeng X Lessner Lawrence L Carpenter David O DO

Environmental health perspectives 20120227 6

<h4>Background</h4>Air pollution is known to cause respiratory disease. Unlike motor vehicle sources, fuel-fired power plants are stationary.<h4>Objective</h4>Using hospitalization data, we examined whether living near a fuel-fired power plant increases the likelihood of hospitalization for respiratory disease.<h4>Methods</h4>Rates of hospitalization for asthma, acute respiratory infection (ARI), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were estimated using hospitalization data for 1993- ...[more]

PMID: 22370087

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Project description:BackgroundCoal-fired power plants are a major source of air pollution that can impact children's health. Limited research has explored if proximity to coal-fired power plants contributes to children's neurobehavioral disorders.ObjectiveThis community-based study collected primary data to investigate the relationships of residential proximity to power plants and neurobehavioral problems in children.Methods235 participants aged 6-14 years who lived within 10 miles of two power plants were recruited. Exposure to particulate matter ≤10 μm (PM10) was measured in children's homes using personal modular impactors. Neurobehavioral symptoms were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Multiple regression models were performed to test the hypothesized associations between proximity/exposure and neurobehavioral symptoms. Geospatial statistical methods were used to map the spatial patterns of exposure and neurobehavioral symptoms.ResultsA small proportion of the variations of neurobehavioral problems (social problems, affective problems, and anxiety problems) were explained by the regression models in which distance to power plants, traffic proximity, and neighborhood poverty was statistically associated with the neurobehavioral health outcomes. Statistically significant hot spots of participants who had elevated levels of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and social problems were observed in the vicinity of the two power plants.SignificanceResults of this study suggest an adverse impact of proximity to power plants on children's neurobehavioral health. Although coal-fired power plants are being phased out in the US, health concern about exposure from coal ash storage facilities remains. Furthermore, other countries in the world are increasing coal use and generating millions of tons of pollutants and coal ash. Findings from this study can inform public health policies to reduce children's risk of neurobehavioral symptoms in relation to proximity to power plants.

Dataset Information

Association between residential proximity to fuel-fired power plants and hospitalization rate for respiratory diseases.

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Association between residential proximity to fuel-fired power plants and hospitalization rate for respiratory diseases.

Similar Datasets

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