Respiratory complaints and medication use following cessation of exposure to construction dust and diesel truck emissions (Neve Yakov, Jerusalem)

Zhaneta Gabrovska, Lee Friedman, Hersh Katz, Noya Galai, Elihu D. Richter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess respiratory complaints in the residents of Neve Yakov following the closure of a municipal dump, operating in the neighborhood for 3 years. Materials and Methods: We carried out a cross sectional survey of 250 adult residents. Exposures to sporadic dust, measurements and estimates of diesel emissions based on traffic load were assessed. Results: Adjusted odds ratios for respiratory symptoms in persons living in the nearest and downwind areas compared to the areas farthest from the dump site were (nearest and downwind respectively): cough OR = 3.7 (95% CI: 1.18-11.4) and OR = 2.9 (95% CI 0.79-10.9); phlegm OR = 1.9 (0.7-5.1) and OR = 2.3 (0.7-7.3); shortness of breath OR= 1.7 (0.6-4.8) and OR = 3.7 (0.9-14.6). After closing the dump, 33% of residents reported improvement in symptoms. Following closure of the dump, residual respiratory illness was observed in many residents. Conclusion: A substantial part of the respiratory complaints may have come from diesel emissions in addition to the ambient dust.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)441-449
Number of pages9
JournalInternational Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
Volume17
Issue number4
StatePublished - 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Diesel
  • Dust
  • Respiratory illness

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Respiratory complaints and medication use following cessation of exposure to construction dust and diesel truck emissions (Neve Yakov, Jerusalem)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this