Abstract

MOLINA ESQUIVEL,, Enrique et al. Contaminación atmosférica y prevalencia de asma en Centro Habana. Rev Cubana Hig Epidemiol [online]. 2001, vol.39, n.1, pp. 5-15. ISSN 1561-3003.

SUMMARY The distribution of the sources and the air pollution in the municipality of Centro Habana were described and their association with the prevalence of asthma was evaluated. The main sources and contaminating emissions of the municipality, the daily concentrations of SO2, NO2, H2S, smoke and PM10 at the local station and the monthly averages of sulfating in the 5 people’s councils of the territory were identified from October, 1996, to September, 1997. According to the classification of patients carried out by the family physician, the asthma prevalence rates were calculated by sex and age group, as well as the relative risks and the risks attributable to the rest of the people’s councils in relation to the least exposed of the municipality, and of the latter in connection with the province. 6 fixed sources with minor emissions were found in the municipality. The flow of vehicles on the main avenues was lower to that of historical reports. The same happened with the yearly means of SO2, NO2 and smoke. The PM10 annual mean (61.1 m g/m3) exceeded the limit recommended by the WHO. The satisfaction indexes reflected the local action of the fixed sources. The prevalence of asthma in some people’s councils had a behaviour that showed the existance of deficiencies in the classification of patients. The municipal specific rates were higher than the provincial ones. The People’s Council with low sulfating indexes and the least number of sources had lower rates than the rest of the councils of the municipality.

Keywords : AIR POLLUTION; ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION; ASTHMA [etiology]; ASTHMA [epidemiology]; PREVALENCE; AIR POLLUTIONS [toxicity]; SULFATES [toxicity]; URBAN POPULATION.

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