Background and Aims: Sohar Industrial Port (Sultanate of Oman), started to operate in 2006, containing many industries that may adversely contribute to the air quality and hence to the health status of the residents in its proximity. The study aim is to assess the health effects of air quality of the population living in the residential area around the industrial port. Methods: Health data for the area were obtained between January 1st 2006 and December 31st 2011 from the Ministry of Health, Oman. Exposure to air pollution was defined using a mixture of methods such as, proximity to source, dispersion models and wind roses. Four exposure zones were developed, including High, Intermediate, Sohar city and the Control zones. Crude rates were calculated for respiratory, cardiovascular and allergic diseases in each exposure zone. Rate ratios were calculated comparing each exposure zone to the Control one. Results: Crude rate ratios for respiratory diseases in the High, Intermediate and Sohar city exposure zones compared to the Control zone were 1.91(95% CI:1.87-1.95), 1.18 (95% CI: 1.15-1.21) and 0.18 (95% CI: 0.18-0.19) respectively. For dermatitis, these rates were 2.16 (95% CI: 1.91-2.45), 1.05 (95% CI: 0.91-1.23) and 0.20 (95% CI: 0.1-0.23). In addition, the high exposure zone showed an increasing yearly trend of the incidence rate from 2007 to 2009 in both diseases. No effects were found for cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion: The findings showevidence of adverse health effects in the high and intermediate exposure zones. More rigorous modeling is underway, which will involve other diseases and confounders. Findings of this study will be used to inform industrial and urban planning policies in Oman.
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