The relationship between respiratory dysfunction in school-age children living near the Aral Sea and environmental conditions

Abstract

Objectives: The gradually diminishing Aral Sea has decreased to 25% its original size, and people living east of the Aral Sea have complained of health problems that are probably related to this shrinkage. Therefore, we conducted a related epidemiological survey that commenced in 2000. Here, we focus on the relationship between the respiratory function of school-age children in this area and the environmental conditions. Method: Kazalinsk County was selected as the study area and Zhanakorgan County, as the reference area. From each area, we randomly selected 486 children aged 6-15 years. Respiratory function was tested in 337 children from the study area and 417 children from the reference area. As environmental samples, dust fall and soil were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, ion chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Result: The incidence of restrictive pulmonary dysfunction was higher in the study area than in the reference area; however, the incidence of obstructive pulmonary dysfunction was low in both areas. The percentage of Suspended Particulate Matter ranged from 81.7%-97.7% in Kazalinsk and from 89.4 %-97.4 % in Zhanakorgan. In this study area, the soil samples demonstrated high levels of chloride, sodium, and sulfate ions. Residual agricultural chemicals were also detected in the surface soil. These findings suggest that these environmental conditions affected respiratory dysfunction in children.