PM10 Levels and Prevalence of Respiratory Diseases in Communities around the Cement Industries

In the atmosphere, particulate matter of 10 microns (µm) or less in diameter (PM10) is an indicator of air pollution. Their harmful health effects on humans range from minor irritation to chronic respiratory infections. PM10 levels were assessed in the ambient air including the incidences of respiratory diseases among communities around the cement industries in Athi River Township in Kenya. The PM10 levels were collected for three consecutive days from five sites in Athi River and the control during the rainy and dry seasons. They were analyzed using the gravimetric technique. The prevalence levels of respiratory diseases were evaluated in the community health facilities during the same period. The PM10 levels ranged from 111.1–740.7 µg/m3 and 37.0–351.9 µg/m3 across the Athi River sites and were significantly (p <0.05) higher than those of the control site that ranged from 9.2–15.3 µg/m3 and 10.2–13.5 µg/m3during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. The study established negative correlations between PM10 levels and wind speed besides temperature. On the contrary, positive correlations were observed between PM10 and relative humidity during both seasons. Overall, the communities across the Athi River Township experienced a significantly (p<0.05) higher number of consultation visits and hospital admissions for various respiratory diseases than the control community. The upper and lower respiratory tract infections were more pronounced in the Athi River during the dry than in the rainy seasons. This study calls for comprehensive research and collaborative efforts towards the establishment of environmental-health-driven programs to reduce PM10 levels and related respiratory impacts among communities.