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Chronic bronchitis and pesticide exposure: a case–control study in Lebanon

  • Pulmonary Diseases
  • Published:
European Journal of Epidemiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

Pesticides are widely used toxics. The objective of the study is to evaluate the odds of exposure to pesticides in chronic bronchitis patients.

Methods

Using the American Thoracic Society standardized questionnaire confirmed by medical diagnosis of chronic bronchitis, a case–control study was␣performed in Lebanon. Pesticide exposure was estimated and between groups comparison was made.

Results

The study involved 262 controls and 110 chronic bronchitis outpatient subjects from 10 medical centers. Any exposure to pesticides was associated to chronic bronchitis (OR = 2.46 [1.53–3.94]; p < 10−4). Occupational use presented the highest association (15.92 [3.50–72.41]; p < 10−4), followed by regional exposure (3.70 [2.05–6.70]; p < 10−4). Results were confirmed by multivariate and subgroup analysis.

Conclusion

Pesticide exposure was associated with chronic bronchitis in Lebanese adults. Pesticides toxicological effects may explain chronic respiratory effects associations found with all exposure types.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon

    Pascale R. Salameh & Bernadette Abi Saleh

  2. Faculty of Medicine, Balamand University, El-Koura, Lebanon

    Mirna Waked

  3. Faculty of Public Health, ISPED, Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2 University, Bordeaux, France

    Isabelle Baldi & Patrick Brochard

  4. Jdeidet El Meten, Chalet Suisse Street, Ramza Azzam bldg, 5th floor, Beirut, Lebanon

    Pascale R. Salameh

Authors
  1. Pascale R. Salameh
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  2. Mirna Waked
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  3. Isabelle Baldi
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  4. Patrick Brochard
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  5. Bernadette Abi Saleh
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Correspondence to Pascale R. Salameh.

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Salameh, P.R., Waked, M., Baldi, I. et al. Chronic bronchitis and pesticide exposure: a case–control study in Lebanon. Eur J Epidemiol 21, 681–688 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-006-9058-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-006-9058-1

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