The risk of respiratory symptoms near power stations among 15-17 year-old students in Cyprus, 2006-07
Date Issued
2009
Abstract
Exposure to air pollutants has been repeatedly
shown to be associated with a range of adverse respiratory
effects. Differences in asthma prevalence on an island the size of
Cyprus may reflect such environmental factors. This study
assessed the geographical distribution of self-reported
asthmatic symptoms in 15-17-year old participants recorded in
an ISAAC survey across Cypriot schools (N=6393). Using GIS
software, circular zones were constructed around each of the
three power stations on the island in increments of 5km.
vidence of an increased risk among participants with regards
to their community’s proximity to the source of emissions was
investigated in logistic regression models before and after
adjusting for person-based risk factors, co-morbidity and intradistrict
correlation. Adjusted odds ratio for active asthma was
1.79 (95%CI: 1.27, 2.53) among residents in the 5km radius
compared to those more than 30km away with no evidence,
however, of a dose-response relationship at intermediate
distances.
shown to be associated with a range of adverse respiratory
effects. Differences in asthma prevalence on an island the size of
Cyprus may reflect such environmental factors. This study
assessed the geographical distribution of self-reported
asthmatic symptoms in 15-17-year old participants recorded in
an ISAAC survey across Cypriot schools (N=6393). Using GIS
software, circular zones were constructed around each of the
three power stations on the island in increments of 5km.
vidence of an increased risk among participants with regards
to their community’s proximity to the source of emissions was
investigated in logistic regression models before and after
adjusting for person-based risk factors, co-morbidity and intradistrict
correlation. Adjusted odds ratio for active asthma was
1.79 (95%CI: 1.27, 2.53) among residents in the 5km radius
compared to those more than 30km away with no evidence,
however, of a dose-response relationship at intermediate
distances.