Proximity to petrochemical industry and risk of childhood asthma occurrence

Adverse effects on the respiratory system were associated with intensive petroleum-related industrial activities. The study aimed to assess the impact of petrochemical exposure on childhood asthma using various surrogate indices. A singleton birth cohort from 2004 to 2017 was conducted, leveraging two linked nationwide databases in Taiwan. The distance from the nearest petrochemical industrial parks (PIPs), the probability for PIPs exposure, and benzene exposure level were used as surrogate petrochemical exposure indices. Both prenatal and postnatal exposure window were considered. The Cox proportional hazard models were applied to evaluate the effects. A total of 461,343 asthma cases were identified in this cohort by December 31, 2018. Certain risk factors such as being male, preterm birth, low birth weight, Caesarean delivery, maternal gestational hypertension, and gestational diabetes, were more prevalent in children with asthma than in those without. The results indicated an increased risk of asthma for those living near PIPs or with a higher probability for PIPs exposure during prenatal and/or postnatal periods. Increased asthma risks were also observed with higher levels of benzene exposure during either the prenatal or postnatal periods. Proximity to PIPs is associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma, as indicated by three different exposure surrogate exposure indices. This underscores the significant impact of petrochemical exposure on the occurrence of childhood asthma.