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Prevalence and Determinants of Mucous Membrane Irritations in a Community Near a Cement Factory in Zambia: A Cross Sectional Study

Author

Listed:
  • Emmy Nkhama

    (Department of Environmental Health/Clinical Medicine, Chainama College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 33991, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
    Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
    School of Public Health and Health System, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Pretoria, P.O. Box 667, Pretoria 0001, South Africa)

  • Micky Ndhlovu

    (Department of Environmental Health/Clinical Medicine, Chainama College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 33991, Lusaka 10101, Zambia)

  • J. Timothy Dvonch

    (Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA)

  • Seter Siziya

    (School of Medicine, Public Health Unit, Copperbelt University, P.O. Box 71191, Ndola 10101, Zambia
    School of Health Sciences, University of Lusaka, P.O. Box 36711, Lusaka 10101, Zambia)

  • Kuku Voyi

    (School of Public Health and Health System, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Pretoria, P.O. Box 667, Pretoria 0001, South Africa)

Abstract

Exposure to cement dust has been associated with deleterious health effects in humans. This study investigated whether residing near a cement factory increases the risk of irritations to the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory system. A cross sectional study was conducted in Freedom Compound, a community bordering a cement factory in Chilanga, Zambia and a control community, Bauleni, located 18 km from the cement plant. A modified American Thoracic Society questionnaire was administered to 225 and 198 respondents aged 15–59 years from Freedom and Bauleni, respectively, to capture symptoms of the irritations. Respondents from Freedom Compound, were more likely to experience the irritations; adjusted ORs 2.50 (95% CI: 1.65, 3.79), 4.36 (95% CI (2.96, 6.55)) and 1.94 (95% CI (1.19, 3.18)) for eye, nose and sinus membrane irritations respectively. Cohort panel studies to determine associations of cement emissions to mucous membrane irritations and respiratory symptoms, coupled with field characterization of the exposure are needed to assess whether the excess prevalence of symptoms of mucous membrane irritations observed in Freedom compound are due to emissions from the cement factory.

Suggested Citation

  • Emmy Nkhama & Micky Ndhlovu & J. Timothy Dvonch & Seter Siziya & Kuku Voyi, 2015. "Prevalence and Determinants of Mucous Membrane Irritations in a Community Near a Cement Factory in Zambia: A Cross Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:12:y:2015:i:1:p:871-887:d:44816
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    Cited by:

    1. Emmy Nkhama & Micky Ndhlovu & J. Timothy Dvonch & Mary Lynam & Graciela Mentz & Seter Siziya & Kuku Voyi, 2017. "Effects of Airborne Particulate Matter on Respiratory Health in a Community near a Cement Factory in Chilanga, Zambia: Results from a Panel Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-16, November.

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