Attitudinal Study on the Effect of Industrial Pollution on the Increase of Lung Diseases and Mortality Caused by It

Nouraei, Hojjat; Golkhandan, Samira; Rajabi, Akbar

Volume 29, Issue 3 (5-2022) RJMS 2022, 29(3): 212-220 | Back to browse issues page

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Clinical trials code: 01

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Nouraei H, Golkhandan S, Rajabi A. Attitudinal Study on the Effect of Industrial Pollution on the Increase of Lung Diseases and Mortality Caused by It. RJMS 2022; 29 (3) :212-220
URL: http://rjms.iums.ac.ir/article-1-8943-en.html

Attitudinal Study on the Effect of Industrial Pollution on the Increase of Lung Diseases and Mortality Caused by It

Hojjat Nouraei

, Samira Golkhandan

, Akbar Rajabi

: Assistant Professor, Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Khomein Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khomein, Iran , Samira.Golkhandan@iau.ac.ir

Abstract: (110 Views)

Background & Aims: pollution caused by the activities of industrial industries is known as one of the main factors threatening human health and the environment. Industrial industries have destructive effects on the quality of life of people and the health of societies through the emission of greenhouse gases, suspended particles, volatile organic compounds, and heavy metals into the air, water, and soil. One of the most important consequences of these pollutions is the increase in lung diseases in communities that live near industrial areas. Lung diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer are among the direct and indirect consequences of exposure to industrial pollutants. Air pollutants widely produced by industries include sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and harmful organic compounds. These substances can enter the lungs through breathing and seriously threaten the health of the respiratory system by causing inflammation, reducing lung function, and damaging its tissues. In areas where the density of industries is higher, the increase in the prevalence of lung diseases and the decrease in the quality of life of people, especially children, the elderly, and people with underlying diseases, can be seen. This issue is particularly critical in countries where environmental standards are not properly followed or where there is no continuous monitoring of air quality. Therefore, this study aimed to look at the impact of industrial pollution on increasing lung diseases and mortality.
Methods: The research method is descriptive and analytical, and the statistical population of the study was the city of Arak, which is known as the metropolis of Arak today. The sample community of a region with a radius of 10 kilometers around the aluminum factory was investigated in the field from 2011 to 2016 to establish the causality relationship of specific patients of Khansari and Valiasr hospitals in Arak City.
Results: Pollution caused by aluminum factories is one of the important environmental challenges that have extensive negative effects on human health and the environment. This research has investigated lung diseases caused by the pollution of these industries and its consequences from a scientific, social, and legal point of view. The findings show that suspended particles and toxic gases such as fluorides and nitrogen oxides that are released in the process of aluminum production are the cause of diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, lung fibrosis, and lung cancer. From a social point of view, these pollutions lead to an increase in medical expenses, a decrease in the quality of life, and the forced migration of residents of nearby areas. In the legal aspect, despite the existence of specific laws such as the Clean Air Law and the Environmental Protection Law, incomplete implementation and weakness in monitoring industries have limited the effectiveness of these laws. Also, from an economic point of view, heavy costs are imposed on society for the treatment of diseases and the destruction of ecosystems, while the use of technologies to reduce pollution and clean production can reduce these costs. From a legal point of view, existing laws in Iran, such as the Clean Air Law, the Environmental Protection Law, and the Islamic Penal Law, require industries to comply with environmental standards and take the necessary measures to reduce pollution. These laws provide legal tools to deal with the offending industries; However, problems such as weak monitoring, lack of transparency in the operation of factories, and lack of strict enforcement of laws make the effective implementation of these regulations a challenge. In addition, the role of regulatory institutions and civil society in pursuing environmental violations and increasing public awareness of citizens' rights in this area is essential. From an economic point of view, the costs caused by industrial pollution are very significant. These costs include the costs of treating diseases, reducing labor productivity, damaging agricultural products, and destroying ecosystems. On the other hand, investing in pollution reduction technologies and using clean production methods can not only reduce these costs but also improve the sustainability of the environment and improve the productivity of industries. Therefore, discussing and examining this issue requires a multilateral approach in which the roles of industries, government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and citizens are considered simultaneously. The use of new technologies to control pollution, the stricter implementation of environmental laws, transparency in the operation of industries, and public awareness can help reduce the harmful effects of this pollution.
Conclusion: Considering the widespread effects of pollution caused by aluminum factories on public health, the environment, and social and economic structures, it can be concluded that dealing with this problem requires a comprehensive and multidimensional approach. The consequences of these pollutions, including lung diseases, reducing the quality of life, destroying ecosystems, and imposing heavy economic costs, double the necessity of adopting preventive and corrective measures. Strict implementation of environmental laws, continuous monitoring of industrial performance, and use of new technologies to reduce pollution are among the basic steps in this direction. Also, public awareness, strengthening the supervision of responsible institutions, and the participation of civil society can help to reduce the harmful effects of these pollutions. Investing in clean and sustainable production not only helps to maintain the health of people and the environment but also from an economic point of view, acts as an effective long-term solution by reducing costs related to treatment and environmental damage. Finally, the integration of preventive measures, strengthening of legal and regulatory infrastructure, and promotion of social responsibility will provide a sustainable path to deal with pollution from aluminum industries.

Keywords: Aluminum Factory, Environmental Pollution, Lung Diseases

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Type of Study: Research | Subject: Clinical Psychiatry