ABSTRACT
Background: Coal?fired thermal power plants (TPPs) have a serious impact on soil, air, and water quality resulting in deterioration of health and environment around the plant. Objective: The present study was undertaken with the objectives of assessing the respiratory health status of the population around the plant and to measure selected heavy metals in fly ash, air, water, and soil samples. Materials and Methods: The current cross?sectional study was conducted among 3533 adult residents living in two strata within 10 km radius around the TPP in Udupi district of Karnataka state. Data were collected by using semi-structured questionnaire and spirometry and environmental air monitoring by DustTrak aerosol monitor, water, and soil samples were collected for analysis. Results: Majority of the study participants were in the age group of >45 years (41.4%). 70.6% were females and 0.39% were trans?genders. 4.3% were suffering from various respiratory problems. Bivariable logistic regression showed subjects aged 46–65 years and >65 years have 2.91 times and 4.42 times higher odds of respiratory disease as compared to those with age ?45 years. Multivariable logistic regression showed significant association between higher age group (P < 0.0001) and in subjects who had closed window during cooking (P < 0.006). Levels of heavy metals in soil samples and particulate matter 2.5 were well within permissible limits whereas the ground water samples had excess levels of iron, manganese, and copper. Conclusion: The present study has implications for policymaking to protect the environment and health of vulnerable populations in industrial clusters and the vicinity of power plants.
ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: Abnormal endothelial function represents a preclinical marker of atherosclerosis. This study was conducted to evaluate associations between anthropometry, cardiometabolic risk factors, and early life factors and adult measures of endothelial function in a young urban Indian cohort free of clinical cardiovascular disease. Methods: Absolute changes in brachial artery diameter following cuff inflation and sublingual nitroglycerin (400 μg) were recorded to evaluate endothelium-dependent and -independent measures of endothelial function in 600 participants (362 men; 238 women) from the New Delhi Birth Cohort (2006-2009). Data on anthropometry, cardiometabolic risk factors, medical history, socio-economic position, and lifestyle habits were collected. Height and weight were recorded at birth, two and 11 yr of age. Age- and sex-adjusted linear regression models were developed to evaluate these associations. Results: The mean age of participants was 36±1 yr. Twenty two per cent men and 29 per cent women were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2). Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 131±14 and 119±13 mmHg, and diabetes prevalence was 12 and 8 per cent for men and women, respectively. Brachial artery diameter was higher for men compared with women both before (3.48±0.37 and 2.95±0.35 cm) and after hyperaemia (3.87±0.37 vs. 3.37±0.35 cm). A similar difference was seen before and after nitroglycerin. Markers of increased adiposity, smoking, SBP, and metabolic syndrome, but not early life anthropometry, were inversely associated with endothelial function after adjustment for age and sex. Interpretation & conclusions: The analysis of the current prospective data from a young urban Indian cohort showed that cardiometabolic risk factors, but not early life anthropometry, were associated with worse endothelial function.