Respiratory complaints and medication use following cessation of exposure to construction dust and diesel truck emissions (Neve Yakov, Jerusalem).

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to assess respiratory complaints in the residents of Neve Yakov following the closure of a municipal dump, operating in the neighborhood for 3 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS We carried out a cross sectional survey of 250 adult residents. Exposures to sporadic dust, measurements and estimates of diesel emissions based on traffic load were assessed. RESULTS Adjusted odds ratios for respiratory symptoms in persons living in the nearest and downwind areas compared to the areas farthest from the dump site were (nearest and downwind respectively): cough OR = 3.7 (95% CI: 1.18-11.4) and OR = 2.9 (95% CI 0.79-10.9); phlegm OR = 1.9 (0.7-5.1) and OR = 2.3 (0.7-7.3); shortness of breath OR = 1.7 (0.6-4.8) and OR = 3.7 (0.9-14.6). After closing the dump, 33% of residents reported improvement in symptoms. Following closure of the dump, residual respiratory illness was observed in many residents. CONCLUSION A substantial part of the respiratory complaints may have come from diesel emissions in addition to the ambient dust.