Korean J Prev Med.  2000 Jun;33(2):174-183.

Respiratory Health of the Children Living near the Petrochemical Estate in Ulsan

• Lee CR
• Yoo CI
• Lee JH
• Kim Y

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effect of low-level exposure of air pollutants on the respiratory tract of the children living near the petrochemical estate in Ulsan.
METHODS
The study design was cross-sectional, and the study subjects consisted of 150 children(76 boys, 74 girls) living near the petrochemical estate and 100 children(53 boys, 47 girls) living in a suburban area. We investigated respiratory health using self-administered questionnaires(ATS-DLD-78), radiological examination, and pulmonary function test such as FVC and FEV1.
RESULTS
There were higher prevalence rates of respiratory symptoms in the children living near the petrochemical estate than the children living in a suburban area. And the
results
of FVC and FEV1 of 11-years old children living near the petrochemical estate were lower than those of the children living in a suburban area.
CONCLUSIONS
Chronic exposure of low-level air pollutants would affect respiratory health of the children. Therefore, further a longitudinal study of respiratory health will be needed for children living near the petrochemical estate in Ulsan.

Keyword

Air pollutants; Children; Questionnaires; FVC; FEV1

MeSH Terms

Air Pollutants
Child*
Humans
Prevalence
Surveys and Questionnaires
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory System
Ulsan*
Air Pollutants