Research Information System
EPIDEMIOLOGY, vol.11, no.4, 2000 (SCI-Expanded)
Objective:This study was carried out for assessing the impact on respiratory functions of stack emmisions of a coal-fired thermal power plant station.
Methods: The study was conducted on 320 subjects living in two villages close to coal-fired plant area. Other two villages with a sample of 321 subjects were selected from uneffected area for matching purposes. Data was collected in June-July 1998 through applying questionnaires about respiratory symptoms and annoyance, addditionally by measuring their pulmonary functions using a portable spirometer.Spirometric measurements were carried out at successive consecutive measurements.The highest measurement values were used in analyses. Prevalences of symptoms and diseases were compared by chi-square tests.The values of respiratory functioning were sex-specific and age-standardized but other factors such as smoking, education and living time in the area were controlled in general factorial analysis of variance.
Results: There were no significant difference between two areas interms of respiratory symptoms such as coughing with or without phlegm, hawking,dyspnea. Respiratory annoyance was found slightly higher in effected area and statistically signifcant difference was detected in pulmonary functions.Forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were found lower in effected area.
Conclusion: These findings indicate the negative impact of pollution arise from coal-fired power station. The preventive measures needs to be taken for prevention of possible chronical airways disease later in life.