[Quality of life and environment in communities close to industrial mining activity in Boyacá, Colombia]. / Calidad de vida y ambiente en comunidades próximas a la actividad de minería industrial en Boyacá, Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the life quality perception and environmental situation, in nearby and distant towns from the mining industry of the Boyacá Department of Colombia. METHOD: Cross-sectional study. The towns near of influence area were grouped into zones 1 and 2, and distant towns as zone 0. Conglomerates carried out a simple, multistage, random sampling. A sample of 1,117 households was determined and the unit of analysis was the family. To measure the quality of life and health perception, the WHOQOL-BREF instrument was used. Frequency distributions and comparisons between qualitative and quantitative variables were calculated. Univariate and bivariate analyzes were performed. RESULTS: The life quality perception and satisfaction with health was greater in zone 0. The means calculated for the four domains of the questionnaire, by towns, shows that Ramiriquí has the highest interquartile ranges. The life quality perception decreases in women and with increasing age. In zones 1 & 2, the environment was described as "very bad" and without any improvement at the last five years. CONCLUSION: Communities close to mining-industrial activities report a worse perception of health, greater concern about the risk of exposure and do not consider that mining industry provides greater benefits for their quality of life.

OBJETIVOS: Comparar la percepción sobre calidad de vida y situación ambiental, en municipios próximos y distantes de la actividad minero industrial del Departamento de Boyacá. MÉTODO: Estudio epidemiológico transversal. Los municipios próximos al área de influencia fueron agrupados en zonas identificadas como 1 y 2, y los municipios distantes como zona 0. Se realizó un muestreo aleatorio simple, multietápico, por conglomerados. Se determinó una muestra de 1 117 hogares y la unidad de análisis fue la familia. Para medir la calidad de vida y percepción de salud se utilizó el instrumento WHOQOL-BREF. Se calcularon distribuciones de frecuencia, diferencias entre variables y comparaciones entre variables cualitativas y cuantitativas. Se realizaron análisis univariados y bivariados. RESULTADOS: La calificación de la calidad de vida y satisfacción con la salud es mayor en la zona 0. Las medias calculadas para los cuatro dominios del cuestionario, por municipios, muestra que Ramiriquí presenta los rangos intercuartílicos más elevados. La percepción de calidad de vida y salud disminuye a medida que aumenta la edad y se presentan resultados menos satisfactorios entre las mujeres. En las zonas 1 y 2, el medio ambiente del municipio se calificó como "muy malo" y la situación ambiental de su municipio sin ninguna mejora en los últimos cinco años. CONCLUSIÓN: Las comunidades próximas a actividades minero-industriales, reportan una peor percepción de salud, mayor preocupación ante el riesgo a la exposición y no consideran que dicha actividad aporte mayores beneficios para su calidad de vida.

[Mercury and lead prevalence in a sample of people living in Bogotá, 2012-2013]. / Prevalencia de mercurio y plomo en población general de Bogotá 2012/2013.

OBJECTIVES: Establishing mercury and lead prevalence in a sample of people living in Bogotá, potential effects on their health and the relationship with areas of environmental exposure. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving a randomly and proportionally distributed sample of 401 people living in Bogotá, according to locality and their high, medium and low risk environmental exposure. A medical assessment was made and lead (in blood) and mercury levels (blood, hair, urine) quantified. A preliminary descriptive analysis was made. RESULTS: The participants were aged 3-91 years-old (mean 46), the most frequently occurring occupation was that of housewife (45.1%, n=181). Mean mercury concentration in hair was 1µg/g, 3.13 µg/L in blood and 0.29 µg/L in urine; lead in blood was found to be 8.62 µg/dL. Fifty-four people (13.5%) had higher concentrations than international reference values for mercury (WHO) and 10 (2.5%) for lead (CDC). Clinical findings were non-specific; exposure areas did not seem to relate to the concentrations found. DISCUSSION: A significant percentage of the study population had high mercury and/or lead levels and such high prevalence highlights the need for identifying and controlling sources of exposure to mercury and lead which could have adverse consequences regarding the health of Bogotá'’s general population.

[Air pollution and respiratory illness in children aged less than 5 years-old in Bogotá, 2007]. / Contaminación del aire y enfermedad respiratoria en menores de cinco años de Bogotá, 2007.

OBJECTIVES: Determining the relationship between indoor and outdoor air pollution caused by particulate matter PM10 and respiratory symptoms in children aged younger than 5 years-old in three locations in Bogota. METHODS: This was a cohort study, involving 315 children in kindergartens located in the area of greatest exposure to PM10, and 304 in kindergartens located in an area of less exposure. The cohort was followed-up for 19 weeks considering respiratory symptoms. Particulate matter was intramurally and extramurally measured in the kindergartens. Prevalence and association between variables were determined. RESULTS: There was a difference regarding average intramural PM between higher and lower exposure (85.6 ug/m³cf 61.8 g/m³; p<0.05); 74.3 % of the children had suffered wheezing during the last year, difference between greater and lesser exposure being 79.6 % cf 69.0 % (p<0.05). Wheezing and coughing were associated with greater exposure to PM10 (RR 1.39 and 1.30). Factors associated with respiratory symptoms concerned passive smoking, having a history of low birth weight, a history of wheezing, a child's kindergarten or home being within 100 meters of (industrial) chimneys, high traffic flow routes, roads in disrepair and bed-sharing. DISCUSSION: A child aged less than 5 years-old exposed to PM10 had a 1.7 times higher risk of truancy due to acute respiratory illness; a decrease in PM10 reduced such truancy by 41.1 %.

[PM10 exposure-related respiratory symptoms and disease in children living in and near five coal-mining areas in the Cesar department of Colombia]. / Enfermedad y síntomas respiratorios en niños de cinco municipios carboníferos del Cesar, Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: Establishing the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and disease in children aged less than 12 years-old living within the Cesar department's coal-mining area and possible associated factors. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 1,627 children aged less than 10 years-old living in and near coal-mining areas in the Cesar department who were exposed to different levels of PM10 from 2008-2010; their PM10 exposure-related symptoms and respiratory diseases were measured, seeking an association with living in areas exposed to particulate material. RESULTS: Children living in areas close to coal-mining activity which also had high traffic volume had a higher rate of probable cases of asthma; those living in areas with traffic (not no coal-mining) were absent from school for more days due to acute respiratory disease. Respiratory symptoms were most commonly found in children experiencing living conditions which exposed them to cigarette or firewood smoke indoors, living in houses made with wattle and daub or adobe walls, living where animals were kept, living in damp housing and diesel-powered dump trucks operating within 100 m or less of their housing. Living in areas having high traffic volume increased the risk of respiratory symptoms, acute respiratory disease and being absent from school. DISCUSSION: All the effects studied were associated with intramural conditions, individual factors or those associated with the immediate surroundings thereby coinciding with results found in similar studies regarding air pollution and health. It is thus suggested that regional strategies and policy be created for controlling and monitoring the air quality and health of people living in the Cesar department.

Calidad de vida y ambiente en comunidades próximas a la actividad de minería industrial en Boyacá, Colombia / Quality of life and environment in communities close to industrial mining activity in Boyacá, Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivos Comparar la percepción sobre calidad de vida y situación ambiental, en municipios próximos y distantes de la actividad minero industrial del Departamento de Boyacá. Método Estudio epidemiológico transversal. Los municipios próximos al área de influencia fueron agrupados en zonas identificadas como 1 y 2, y los municipios distantes como zona 0. Se realizó un muestreo aleatorio simple, multietápico, por conglomerados. Se determinó una muestra de 1 117 hogares y la unidad de análisis fue la familia. Para medir la calidad de vida y percepción de salud se utilizó el instrumento WHOQOL-BREF. Se calcularon distribuciones de frecuencia, diferencias entre variables y comparaciones entre variables cualitativas y cuantitativas. Se realizaron análisis univariados y bivariados. Resultados La calificación de la calidad de vida y satisfacción con la salud es mayor en la zona 0. Las medias calculadas para los cuatro dominios del cuestionario, por municipios, muestra que Ramiriquí presenta los rangos intercuartílicos más elevados. La percepción de calidad de vida y salud disminuye a medida que aumenta la edad y se presentan resultados menos satisfactorios entre las mujeres. En las zonas 1 y 2, el medio ambiente del municipio se calificó como "muy malo" y la situación ambiental de su municipio sin ninguna mejora en los últimos cinco años Conclusión Las comunidades próximas a actividades minero-industriales, reportan una peor percepción de salud, mayor preocupación ante el riesgo a la exposición y no consideran que dicha actividad aporte mayores beneficios para su calidad de vida.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the life quality perception and environmental situation, in nearby and distant towns from the mining industry of the Boyacá Department of Colombia Method Cross-sectional study. The towns near of influence area were grouped into zones 1 and 2, and distant towns as zone 0. Conglomerates carried out a simple, multistage, random sampling. A sample of 1,117 households was determined and the unit of analysis was the family. To measure the quality of life and health perception, the WHOQOL-BREF instrument was used. Frequency distributions and comparisons between qualitative and quantitative variables were calculated. Univariate and bivariate analyzes were performed. Results The life quality perception and satisfaction with health was greater in zone 0. The means calculated for the four domains of the questionnaire, by towns, shows that Ramiriquí has the highest interquartile ranges. The life quality perception decreases in women and with increasing age. In zones 1 & 2, the environment was described as "very bad" and without any improvement at the last five years. Conclusion Communities close to mining-industrial activities report a worse perception of health, greater concern about the risk of exposure and do not consider that mining industry provides greater benefits for their quality of life.(AU)

Prevalencia de mercurio y plomo en población general de Bogotá 2012/2013 / Mercury and lead prevalence in a sample of people living in Bogotá, 2012-2013

Objetivos Establecer la prevalencia de mercurio y plomo en población general de Bogotá, posibles efectos en salud y relación con zonas de exposición ambiental. Métodos Estudio transversal, muestra de 401 individuos de población general de Bogotá, distribuida aleatoria y proporcionalmente según localidad y zonas de exposición ambiental de alto, medio y bajo riesgo. Se realizó valoración médica y cuantificación de plomo (sangre) y mercurio (sangre, cabello, orina). Se realizó análisis descriptivo preliminar. Resultados Edad de los participantes: 3-91 años (media 46), ocupación más frecuente ama de casa (45,1 %, n=181); promedios de concentraciones: mercurio en cabello: 1,00 µg/g, sangre: 3,13 µg/L, y orina: 0,29 µg/L; plomo en sangre: 8,62 µg/dL. Individuos con concentraciones superiores a los valores de referencia internacionales: 54 (13,5 %) para mercurio (OMS); 10 (2,5 %) para plomo (CDC). Los hallazgos clínicos son inespecíficos, las zonas de exposición no parecen relacionarse con las concentraciones encontradas. Discusión Un porcentaje importante de individuos presentan concentraciones elevadas de los metales estudiados, lo que resalta la necesidad de identificar y controlar las fuentes ambientales de mercurio y plomo que están afectando a la población general de Bogotá, con posibles consecuencias en su salud.(AU)

Objectives Establishing mercury and lead prevalence in a sample of people living in Bogotá, potential effects on their health and the relationship with areas of environmental exposure. Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving a randomly and proportionally distributed sample of 401 people living in Bogotá, according to locality and their high, medium and low risk environmental exposure. A medical assessment was made and lead (in blood) and mercury levels (blood, hair, urine) quantified. A preliminary descriptive analysis was made. Results The participants were aged 3-91 years-old (mean 46), the most frequently occurring occupation was that of housewife (45.1%, n=181). Mean mercury concentration in hair was 1µg/g, 3.13 µg/L in blood and 0.29 µg/L in urine; lead in blood was found to be 8.62 µg/dL. Fifty-four people (13.5%) had higher concentrations than international reference values for mercury (WHO) and 10 (2.5%) for lead (CDC). Clinical findings were non-specific; exposure areas did not seem to relate to the concentrations found. Discussion A significant percentage of the study population had high mercury and/or lead levels and such high prevalence highlights the need for identifying and controlling sources of exposure to mercury and lead which could have adverse consequences regarding the health of Bogota’s general population.(AU)

Enfermedad y síntomas respiratorios en niños de cinco municipios carboníferos del Cesar, Colombia / PM10 exposure-related respiratory symptoms and disease in children living in and near five coal-mining areas in the Cesar department of Colombia

Objetivos Establecer la prevalencia de síntomas respiratorios y enfermedad respiratoria en niños menores de 12 años de municipios de influencia de la zona carbonífera del departamento del Cesar y posibles factores asociados. Métodos Estudio transversal en 1 627 niños menores de 10 años habitantes de municipios carboneros del Cesar expuestos a diferentes niveles de MP10 en los años 2008-2010, en quienes se midieron enfermedades y síntomas respiratorios relacionados con exposición a PM10, buscando asociación con diferentes zonas de exposición al material particulado. Resultados Niños de corregimientos próximos a depósitos mineros y de corregimientos con tráfico tuvieron mayor proporción de casos probables de asma; mientras que los del corregimiento con tráfico se ausentaron más días por enfermedad respiratoria aguda; se encontró mayor frecuencia de síntomas respiratorios en niños expuestos al humo de cigarrillo o de leña intramurales, niños de viviendas con paredes de bareque o adobe, tenencia de animales, presencia de humedad en las viviendas, vehículos de carga a menos de 100 m de la vivienda; vivir en zonas con tráfico aumentó el riesgo de presentar síntomas respiratorios, enfermedad respiratoria aguda y ausentismo escolar. Discusión Todos los efectos estudiados estuvieron asociados a condiciones intramurales, factores del entorno cercano o individuales, coincidiendo con lo encontrado en estudios similares de salud y contaminación del aire. Se sugiere la creación de estrategias y políticas regionales para el control y monitoreo de la calidad del aire y la salud de los habitantes del departamento del Cesar.

Objectives Establishing the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and disease in children aged less than 12 years-old living within the Cesar department's coal-mining area and possible associated factors. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 1,627 children aged less than 10 years-old living in and near coal-mining areas in the Cesar department who were exposed to different levels of PM10 from 2008-2010; their PM10 exposure-related symptoms and respiratory diseases were measured, seeking an association with living in areas exposed to particulate material. Results Children living in areas close to coal-mining activity which also had high traffic volume had a higher rate of probable cases of asthma; those living in areas with traffic (not no coal-mining) were absent from school for more days due to acute respiratory disease. Respiratory symptoms were most commonly found in children experiencing living conditions which exposed them to cigarette or firewood smoke indoors, living in houses made with wattle and daub or adobe walls, living where animals were kept, living in damp housing and diesel-powered dump trucks operating within 100 m or less of their housing. Living in areas having high traffic volume increased the risk of respiratory symptoms, acute respiratory disease and being absent from school. Discussion All the effects studied were associated with intramural conditions, individual factors or those associated with the immediate surroundings thereby coinciding with results found in similar studies regarding air pollution and health. It is thus suggested that regional strategies and policy be created for controlling and monitoring the air quality and health of people living in the Cesar department.

Contaminación del aire y enfermedad respiratoria en menores de cinco años de Bogotá, 2007 / Air pollution and respiratory illness in children aged less than 5 years-old in Bogotá, 2007

Objetivos Determinar la relación entre contaminación del aire extra e intramuros por material particulado MP10 con síntomas respiratorios en niños menores de 5 años en tres localidades del Distrito Capital. Métodos Estudio de cohortes. 315 niños y niñas de jardines ubicados en zona de mayor exposición a material particulado MP10, y 304 de jardines en zona de menor exposición. Se siguieron las cohortes por 19 semanas, teniendo en cuenta síntomas respiratorios. Se midió material particulado intramuros y extramuros en los jardines. Se determinaron prevalencias y asociación entre variables. Resultados Hubo una diferencia de promedios de MP intramuros entre mayor y menor exposición de 85.6 μg/m³vs. 61.8 μg/m³ (p<0,05). 74.3 % de los niños presentaron sibilancias en el último año, con diferencia entre mayor y menor exposición de 79,6 % vs 69,0 % (p<0,05). Sibilancias y expectoración estuvieron asociados a mayor exposición a MP10 (RR 1,39 y 1,30). Factores asociados a síntomas respiratorios: tabaquismo pasivo, el antecedente de bajo peso al nacer, el antecedente de sibilancias, la cercanía del jardín o vivienda a menos de 100 metros de chimeneas, vías de alto flujo vehicular, vías en mal estado y colecho. Discusión Un niño menor de 5 años expuesto a MP10 tiene 1,70 veces más riesgo de presentar ausentismo escolar por enfermedad respiratoria aguda, una disminución del MP10 reduciría en un 41,1 % este ausentismo escolar.

Objectives Determining the relationship between indoor and outdoor air pollution caused by particulate matter PM10 and respiratory symptoms in children aged younger than 5 years-old in three locations in Bogota. Methods This was a cohort study, involving 315 children in kindergartens located in the area of greatest exposure to PM10, and 304 in kindergartens located in an area of less exposure. The cohort was followed-up for 19 weeks considering respiratory symptoms. Particulate matter was intramurally and extramurally measured in the kindergartens. Prevalence and association between variables were determined. Results There was a difference regarding average intramural PM between higher and lower exposure (85.6 ug/m³cf 61.8 g/m³; p<0.05); 74.3 % of the children had suffered wheezing during the last year, difference between greater and lesser exposure being 79.6 % cf 69.0 % (p<0.05). Wheezing and coughing were associated with greater exposure to PM10 (RR 1.39 and 1.30). Factors associated with respiratory symptoms concerned passive smoking, having a history of low birth weight, a history of wheezing, a child's kindergarten or home being within 100 meters of (industrial) chimneys, high traffic flow routes, roads in disrepair and bed-sharing. Discussion A child aged less than 5 years-old exposed to PM10 had a 1.7 times higher risk of truancy due to acute respiratory illness; a decrease in PM10 reduced such truancy by 41.1 %.