Respiratory hospital admission risk near large composting facilities
File(s)
Accepted version
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Background
Large-scale composting can release bioaerosols in elevated quantities, but there are few studies of health effects on nearby communities
Methods
A cross-sectional ecological small area design was used to examine risk of respiratory hospital admissions within 2500 m of all 148 English large-scale composting facilities in 2008–10. Statistical analyses used a random intercept Poisson regression model at Census Output Area (COA) level (mean population 310). Models were adjusted for age, sex, deprivation and tobacco sales.
Results
Analysing 34,963 respiratory hospital admissions in 4656COAs within 250–2500 m of a site, there were no significant trends using pre-defined distance bands of >250m-750m, >750–1500 m and >1500-2500m. Using a continuous measure of distance, there was a small non-statistically significant (p = 0.054) association with total respiratory admissions corresponding to a 1.5% (95% CI: 0.0–2.9%) decrease in risk if moving from 251 m to 501m. There were no significant associations for subgroups of respiratory infections, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Conclusion
This national study does not provide evidence for increased risks of respiratory hospital admissions in those living beyond 250 m of an outdoor composting area perimeter. Further work using better measures of exposure and exploring associations with symptoms and disease prevalence, especially in vulnerable groups, is recommended to support regulatory approaches.
Large-scale composting can release bioaerosols in elevated quantities, but there are few studies of health effects on nearby communities
Methods
A cross-sectional ecological small area design was used to examine risk of respiratory hospital admissions within 2500 m of all 148 English large-scale composting facilities in 2008–10. Statistical analyses used a random intercept Poisson regression model at Census Output Area (COA) level (mean population 310). Models were adjusted for age, sex, deprivation and tobacco sales.
Results
Analysing 34,963 respiratory hospital admissions in 4656COAs within 250–2500 m of a site, there were no significant trends using pre-defined distance bands of >250m-750m, >750–1500 m and >1500-2500m. Using a continuous measure of distance, there was a small non-statistically significant (p = 0.054) association with total respiratory admissions corresponding to a 1.5% (95% CI: 0.0–2.9%) decrease in risk if moving from 251 m to 501m. There were no significant associations for subgroups of respiratory infections, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Conclusion
This national study does not provide evidence for increased risks of respiratory hospital admissions in those living beyond 250 m of an outdoor composting area perimeter. Further work using better measures of exposure and exploring associations with symptoms and disease prevalence, especially in vulnerable groups, is recommended to support regulatory approaches.
Date Issued
2016-03-24
Date Acceptance
2016-03-21
Citation
International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 2016, 219 (4-5), pp.372-379
ISSN
1618-131X
Publisher
Elsevier
Start Page
372
End Page
379
Journal / Book Title
International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health
Volume
219
Issue
4-5
Copyright Statement
Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier GmbH. This paper is available under the Open Government License: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/
Sponsor
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
National Institute for Health Research
Public Health England
Grant Number
369321
RTJ6219303-1
N/A
Subjects
Asthma
Bioaerosol
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Compost
Hospitalization
Respiratory health
Toxicology
1117 Public Health And Health Services
Publication Status
Published