Environmental risk factors and the associated morbidity in a periurban area, Alexandria, Egypt

Cardiovascular Effects of Indoor Air Pollution from Solid Fuel: Relevance to Sub-Saharan Africa

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This research aims to summarize evidence on the cardiovascular effects of indoor air pollution (IAP) from solid fuel and identify areas for research and policy for low- and middle-income countries.

RECENT FINDINGS

IAP affects people from low socioeconomic status in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, who depend upon biomass as a fuel for cooking, heating, and lighting. In these settings, IAP disproportionately affects women, children, the elderly, and people with cardiopulmonary disease. The health effects of IAP include acute respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumoconiosis, cataract and blindness, pulmonary tuberculosis, adverse effects to pregnancy, cancer, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. New methods for assessing individual IAP exposure, exposing pathways of IAP-related cardiovascular disease, and performing qualitative research focusing on population preferences regarding strategies to reduce IAP exposure have been the most important developments in tackling the burden of IAP. Unfortunately, major disparities exist regarding research into the cardiovascular effects of IAP, with only few studies coming from sub-Saharan Africa, despite this region having the highest proportion of households using solid fuels. Premature cardiovascular deaths and disability can be averted in low-middle income countries by addressing biomass fuel usage by the most disadvantaged settings. While research is needed to uncover the mechanisms involved in cardiovascular outcomes linked to IAP, immediate action is needed to educate the most affected populations on IAP health hazards and to reduce their exposure to this environmental risk through promoting improved housing and better ventilation, as well as increasing access to affordable clean cooking energy.

Cardiovascular Diseases and Long-term Self-reported Exposure to Pollution: RESULTS OF A NATIONAL EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY IN LEBANON

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are linked to high mortality and morbidity, particularly in developing countries. Some studies have linked indoor and outdoor pollution to CVD, but results are inconsistent. Our objective was to assess this association in Lebanon, a Middle Eastern country.

METHODS

A national cross-sectional study was conducted across Lebanon. CVD prevalence, which included prevalent ischemic heart and cerebrovascular diseases, was assessed. Moreover, in addition to self-reported items of pollution exposure, we assessed potential predictors of CVD, including sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported health information, and biological measurements.

RESULTS

We assessed the dose-effect relationship of pollution items in relation with CVD. Self-reported indoor and outdoor pollution exposures were associated with CVD, with or without taking biological values into account. Moreover, we found a dose-effect relationship of exposure with risk of disease (44% increase in risk of CVD for every additional pollution exposure item), after adjustment for sociodemographic and biological characteristics.

CONCLUSION

Although additional studies would be necessary to confirm these findings, interventions should start to sensitize the population about the effect of pollution on chronic diseases and the work of reducing pollution and improving air quality should be implemented to decrease the disease burden on the population and health system.

Hypertension prevalence and living conditions related to air pollution: results of a national epidemiological study in Lebanon

Hypertension is a risk factor of several diseases, linked to high mortality and morbidity, particularly in developing countries. Some studies have linked indoor and outdoor pollution exposure items to hypertension, but results were inconsistent. Our objective was to assess the association of living conditions related to air pollution to hypertension in Lebanon, a Middle Eastern country. A national cross-sectional study was conducted all over Lebanon. Blood pressure and its related medications were assessed to be able to classify participants as hypertensive or not. Moreover, in addition to living conditions related to air pollution exposure, we assessed potential predictors of hypertension, including sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported health information and biological measurements. Furthermore, we assessed dose-effect relationship of air pollution items in relation with hypertension. Living conditions related to indoor and outdoor air pollution exposures were associated with hypertension, with or without taking biological values into account. Moreover, we found a dose-effect relationship of exposure with risk of disease (15% increase in risk of disease for every additional pollution exposure item), after adjustment for sociodemographics and biological characteristics (Ora = 1.15 [1.03-1.28]). Although additional studies would be necessary to confirm these findings, interventions should start to sensitize the population about the effect of air pollution on chronic diseases. The work on reducing pollution and improving air quality should be implemented to decrease the disease burden on the population and health system.

Self-reported history of stroke and long-term living conditions near air pollution sources: results of a national epidemiological study in Lebanon

Stroke is a disease related to high mortality and morbidity, particularly in developing countries. Some studies have linked self-reported indoor and outdoor pollution to stroke and mini-stroke, while some others showed no association. Our objective was to assess this association in Lebanon, a Middle Eastern developing country. A national cross-sectional study was conducted all over Lebanon. In addition to self-reported items of pollution exposure, we assessed potential predictors of stroke and mini-stroke, including sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported health information, and biological measurements. Moreover, we assessed dose-effect relationship of pollution items in relation with stroke. Self-reported indoor pollution exposure was associated with stroke and mini-stroke, with or without taking biological values into account. Moreover, we found a dose-effect relationship of exposure with risk of disease, but this effect did not reach statistical significance after adjustment for sociodemographics and biological characteristics. No association was found for any outdoor pollution item. Although additional studies would be necessary to confirm these findings, sensitizing the population about the effect of pollution on chronic diseases, working on reducing pollution, and improving air quality should be implemented to decrease the burden of the disease on the population and health system.