The effect of industry-related air pollution on pulmonary function: A prospective, cross-sectional comparative study of industrial proximity and smoking status

ObjectiveAmbient air pollution is a leading global environmental health risk, significantly contributing to the burden of chronic respiratory diseases and premature mortality worldwide. Despite being a major industrial and agricultural hub, the specific impact of long-term exposure to urban and industrial pollutants on pulmonary function in the Central Anatolian region remains insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the subclinical respiratory effects of air pollution on healthy adults in Konya, Turkey, with a particular focus on the cumulative impact of industrial proximity.MethodsThis prospective, cross-sectional comparative study involving 455 participants collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, smoking history, and respiratory symptoms. Lung function was measured via portable spirometry. Individualized exposure scores were calculated from 1-year and 4-year air quality data. Industrial proximity was categorized using a 10-km threshold for both residence and workplace.ResultsPulmonary function test values were significantly lower in smoking individuals and in those with respiratory diseases (p < 0.05). Nonsmoking healthy individuals living and working within 10 km of industrial zones showed significantly lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (79.17% vs. 82.71%, p < 0.001) and small airway parameters ( forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity, maximal expiratory flow at 25% of vital capacity, maximal expiratory flow at 50% of vital capacity, and maximal expiratory flow at 75% of vital capacity; p < 0.005) than in those living farther away. Notably, nonsmoking individuals living near industrial zones had lower small airway flow rates than smoking individuals living far from industrial areas (p < 0.05). The Karatay district, demonstrating the highest levels of particulate matter ≤10 µm in diameter, showed the lowest maximal expiratory flow at 25% of vital capacity values (p = 0.049).ConclusionsIndustrial proximity and smoking are independent risk factors for airway obstruction. Continuous industrial exposure may cause more pronounced small airway damage than tobacco consumption, thereby highlighting the need for air quality management in urban planning.