Residential proximity to industrial zones and self-reported respiratory morbidity
A community-based cross-sectional survey of three Karachi industrial areas
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22067945 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Kiran Shahbaz (0000-0002-0030-9716, University of Karachi), Shiraz Shaikh (0000-0003-0815-8729, University of Karachi), Aroosa Nighat (0009-0002-7134-9210, University of Karachi), Irfanullah Khan (0000-0003-0465-8160, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals), Manzoor Ullah (0000-0001-7633-8372, University of the West of Scotland, corresponding author), Farkhanda Shaheen (Ziauddin University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 13 |
| Pages | 1672049-1672049 |
| Publication date | 2025-11-24 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1672049 |
| PMID | 41368663 |
| OpenAlex | W4416608056 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 41 |
Background: Industrial emissions in Karachi contribute to poor ambient air quality and may adversely affect nearby residents' respiratory health. This study assessed whether residential distance from industrial zones is associated with respiratory symptoms and chronic respiratory disease. Methods: = 154 each). Residential distance to the nearest industrial zone was classified as within 5 km vs. more than 5 km (distance estimated from mapped home addresses). Respiratory outcomes (symptoms; chronic bronchitis; asthma) were obtained via a validated questionnaire, and multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted associations. Results: Compared with residents living more than 5 km away, those living within 5 km reported substantially higher prevalences of cough, phlegm, wheeze, and dyspnea. Living more than 5 km from an industrial zone was independently associated with markedly lower odds of chronic bronchitis (adjusted OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.02-0.72) and asthma (adjusted OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.03-0.67). Higher education was protective for both outcomes, and regular mask use was protective for chronic bronchitis; smoking and industrial employment were associated with greater respiratory morbidity. Conclusion: In Karachi, residing within 5 km of major industrial zones is linked to a higher burden of self-reported respiratory symptoms and chronic respiratory disease. These findings underscore the importance of early screening and preventive strategies for nearby communities and support zoning and urban-planning measures that increase residential buffers from industrial facilities
Industrial area · Industrial zone · Respiratory system · Zoning · Air Quality and Health Impacts · Indoor Air Quality and Microbial Exposure · Urban Transport and Accessibility
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| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |