Biomass power plants and health problems among nearby residents: A case study in Thailand

• Authors: Chudchawal Juntarawijit

Abstracts

EN

Objectives: Electricity generation from biomass has become a boom business. However, currently, concerns over their environmental and health impact have emerged. This study aimed to explore these health problems by studying two small biomass power plants in Thailand. Materials and Methods: Data concerning chronic diseases and health symptoms was collected from 392 people by trained interviewers by the use of a questionnaire. Results: Residents living within 1 km from the power plants had a higher prevalence of allergies (Odds ratio = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5-4.0), asthma (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.0-4.4) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.0-8.4). The risks of other symptoms, itching/rash, eye irritation, cough, stuffy nose, allergic symptoms, sore throat, and difficulty breathing among those living within 0.5 km from the power plants (OR = 2.5-8.5) were even more marked. Conclusions: It has been concluded that without a proper control, pollution from the biomass power plants can cause significant health problems to the nearby residents.

Keywords

EN

biomass; power plant; health problem; smoke exposure; rice husk

• Publisher: Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. dra Jerzego Nofera w Łodzi
• Journal: International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
• Year: 2013
• Volume: 26
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 813-821

Dates

published

2013

Contributors

author

Chudchawal Juntarawijit

• Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture Natural Resources and Environment, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

Identifiers

DOI

10.2478/s13382-013-0142-y

Biblioteka Nauki

2179058