Air pollution and health impacts resulting from lignit use as fuel for tobacco curing.

ABSTRACT

Health effects of SO2 and PM10 from lignite coal burning for tobacco curing in areas of Northern Thailand is a cause of concern. A study to assess these pollutants and health impacts on villagers was undertaken. Village with/without lignite use as fuel for tobacco curing (study/control areas) were studied for air quality and health symptoms including pulmonary function test. The study was carried out prior to and during tobacco curing period. The levels of SO2 and PM10 did not exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standards in both study and control areas. However, SO2 levels n the study area were about 10 times higher during the tobacco-curing period than prior to the period. Acute eye irritation and major airway obstruction (decline in FEV1 and PEFR) was found during the curing period. Cigarette smoking was significantly associated with upper respiratory infections including coughing, phlegm, runny and stuffed nose. Moreover, wood/charcoal cooking fuel use was also significantly associated with lower respiratory infections (wheezing or dyspnea).