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.