Health Impact from Air Pollution in Thailand: Current and Future Challenges
2011

Health Impact from Air Pollution in Thailand

Sample size: 26000 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Nuntavarn Vichit-Vadakan, Nitaya Vajanapoom

Primary Institution: Thammasat University

Hypothesis

What are the health impacts of air pollution in Thailand?

Conclusion

Air pollution in Thailand, particularly from PM10, is linked to increased health risks, including higher rates of hospital admissions and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Supporting Evidence

  • PM10 levels in Bangkok have exceeded national standards for over a decade.
  • High PM10 levels have been linked to increased hospital admissions and outpatient visits.
  • Each 10-μg/m3 increase in PM10 is associated with a 1.25% increase in all-cause mortality in Bangkok.

Takeaway

Air pollution in Thailand makes people sick, especially those living near factories, and can lead to problems like premature births.

Methodology

The study involved a large-scale population-based epidemiology study examining health outcomes in residents near petrochemical industries.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to reliance on economic data over health data in policy-making.

Limitations

Epidemiological studies have been limited and mostly sporadic.

Participant Demographics

Residents living near petrochemical industrial estates in Thailand.

Statistical Information

P-Value

3.34

Confidence Interval

1.18–9.47

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1289/ehp.1103728

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication