Industrial air pollution and self-reported respiratory and irritant health effects on adjacent residents: a case study of Islamabad Industrial Estate (IEI)

Abstract

Human health deterioration due to industrial air emissions is gaining global attention. These health impacts are coupled mainly with chronic and acute health issues that are persistent in residents in close proximity to the industrial estates. Similarly, the inhabitants of Islamabad Industrial Estate (IEI) are exposed to intense industrial pollutants that have caused respiratory and irritant health issues. This cross-sectional study has compared two groups on deploying 378 close-ended questionnaires at the household level, after adjusting the potential confounders. The groups were framed as per their distance from IEI as ‘Band I’ - residence ≤ 650 m and ‘Band II’ - residence ≥ 650–1300 m. The distances were calculated from the respondent’s residence to the outer digitized boundary (perimeter of IEI), whereas the perimeter was digitized using Google Earth and imported into a Geographical Information System. The results of multiple logistic regression for odds ratios confirmed significant increase in chronic respiratory problems (chronic bronchitis OR 1.93 (1.05–3.55), phlegm OR 2.5 (1.4–4.5), dyspnoea OR 2.18 (0.3–1.81)) and acute irritation issues (eye irritation OR 2.59 (1.63–3.90), throat irritation OR 1.782 (0.876–2.725)) in case of Band I. The same diseases were found in Band II but in less severity; however, their existence remained life-threatening for the locality. The study calls for preventive measures by the local residents, health safety measures by the federal government and relocation of populace to safe areas/sectors.