Effect of haze and air pollution on cardio-respiratory systems in northern of Thailand

Abstract

Introduction: Haze and air pollution are important problem in several countries, especially northern part of Thailand.  Human’ health problems in cardiovascular and respiratory systems are major problem that affect to decrease pulmonary function and cardiovascular endurance.  So, the objective of this study was to examine the correlation between haze and pulmonary function and cardiovascular endurance in people who lived in northern part of Thailand.

Method: This study was a cross-sectional study.  Participants were random in three provinces that composed of Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Nan.  Pulmonary function was tested by spirometer and cardiovascular was tested by six minute walk test (6MWT).

Result: Four hundred and fifty participants consisted of child group (mean aged 12.27 ± 1.45), adult group (mean aged 42.59 ± 11.10), and elderly group (mean aged 69.29 ± 8.02). The results of this study found that pulmonary function and cardiovascular endurance had negative correlation with Carbon monoxide (CO) in the atmosphere. In addition, when control some variables such as age, duration of living, and sex found that CO in the atmosphere was still negative correlation with FEV₁/FVC (ß = -.158, SE = .290, p < .001), PEF (ß = -.161, SE = 3.515, p = .001), and six minute walk distance (6 MWD) (ß = -.099, SE = 2.426, p = .003)

Discussion and Conclusion:  Pulmonary function and cardiovascular endurance were negative correlation with CO in the atmosphere after controlling for age, duration of living, and sex.