Abstract
Introduction: The increasing incidence of asthma and chronic respiratory diseases among children living in pesticides applied areas has been shown.
Objective: It is aimed to evaluate the effects of PM2.5 and PM10 air pollution caused by pesticide application on children's respiratory system.
Materials and Methods: In Sanliurfa cotton producer province of Turkey, 266 children (126 girls, 140 boys) were included in the study in June and August 2016. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) were measured in children before and after the administration of pesticide, respiratory complaints were recorded. PM2.5, PM10, temperature and humidity were measured. The number of children reevaluated after pesticide application were 72.
Results: After pesticide application, mean PM2.5 (7.9 μg / m3 vs 13.0 μg / m3, p <0.001), PM10 (19.2 μg / m3 vs 326.3.0 μg /m3, p <0.001) significantly increased compared to the baseline. After pesticide application, cough (9.1% to 47.7%), phlegm (2.3% to 32.8%), wheezing (2.3% to 41.7%), shortness of breath (3.0% to 48.5%) and chest tightness (7.6% to 42.4%) statistically and significantly increased (all p <0.001). Mean PEF value after pesticide application was significantly lower (263.5 vs 231.1, p <0.001). There were significant negative correlations between PEF value and PM10 (r = - 295, p = 0.012) and PM2.5 (r = - 423, p <0.001). In regression analysis, PM10 (B = -2.706, t = -2.425, 0.018) was independent determinant on the change of PEF after pesticide application.
Conclusion: It is important to take anti-dust measures and dust-preventive measures for children to reduce the level of PM10 and associated health problems during periods of pesticide application
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