Coal ash exposure and asthma in children.

fly ash;coal fly ash and asthma;coal fly ash and children

Jack Anthony Pfeiffer

University:University of Louisville

Department:Epidemiology and Population Health

关键词: fly ash;    coal fly ash and asthma;    coal fly ash and children;   

Others  :  https://ir.library.louisville.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3891&context=etd

美国|英语

来源: The Universite of Louisville's Institutional Repository

【 摘 要 】

This study examined the association between exposure to coal ash in the home among children aged 6-14 and asthma. Data was collected using personal modular impactors, lift tape samples, toe/finger nail samples, questionnaires, and peak flow meters. Laboratory methods used to analyze the samples included gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) / energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), and proton-induced x-ray emission (PIXE). Statistical methods used to analyze the data included the Chi Square Test of Independence, logistic regression, the Hosmer-Lemeshow Goodness of Fit test, Fisher’s Exact Test, and the Anderson-Darling Normality Test. Sample size was small, making statistical significance in calculated values unachievable. Though statistical results were not significant, it was suggested that a relationship between asthma risk and exposure was possible. In particular, it was noted that male participants averaged lower peak flow values when compared to the pediatric norm. It was also noted that mean residential distances from the studied power plants were lower in asthma cases than for non-asthma cases. Although results are preliminary and findings were inconsistent, asthma prevalence within the study group was high, compared to the national average in children and requires further study.