Respiratory diseases and allergies in two polluted areas in East Germany

This cross-sectional epidemiological study collected health data for 2,470 school children between 5 and 14 years of age (89% of eligible children) wh o had lived most of their lives in either one of two counties strongly impa cted by industrial pollution (Bitterfeld and Hettstedt) or in a neighboring county without any sources of industrial pollution (Zerbst). The objective of the study was to examine whether regional differences-with respect to t he occurrence of childhood respiratory diseases and symptoms or allergies-e xist and, if such differences are found, whether they persist when we adjus t for the effects of known risk factors such as medical and sociodemographi c factors or factors related to the indoor environment. Controlling for med ical, sociodemographic, and indoor factors, according to parental reports, children residing in Hettstedt have about a 50% increased lifetime prevalen ce for physician-diagnosed allergies, enema, and bronchitis compared to chi ldren from Zerbst and about twice the number of respiratory symptoms such a s wheeze, shortness of breath, and cough without cold. Sensitization to com mon aeroallergens according to skin prick tests [odds ratio (OR) = 1.38; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.02-1.86] and specific IgE levels (OR = 1.75; CI, 1.31-2.33) was more common for children from Hettstedt than children fr om the nonpolluted county. Bitterfeld children, on the other hand, more oft en received a diagnosis of asthma and enema than children residing in Zerbs t and also showed slightly increased sensitization rates. In conclusion, in dustrial pollution related to mining and smelting operations in the county of Hettstedt were associated with a higher lifetime prevalence of respirato ry disorders and an increased rate of allergic sensitization in children be tween the ages of 5 and 14 years. Further studies are needed to determine w hat role the high dust content of heavy metals plays in Hettstedt.