Relação entre exposição a poluentes do ar e sintomas cardiovasculares em trabalhadores de pátio/pista do aeroporto Internacional Governador André Franco Montoro

Abstract

Introduction: Studies highlight the importance of discussing the emission of pollutants in airport areas due to the growth of air services and how this could impact on human health. Purpose: The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between exposure to air pollutants and cardiovascular symptoms in runway workers at Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving a sample of 289 airport workers who were randomly selected by their registration number. The sample calculation was based on a prevalence of cardiovascular diseases of 20%, with a power of 80%, a significance level of 5% and a delta of 5%. Participants answered the questionnaire via google forms. This questionnaire contained sociodemographic data, lifestyle, health and work-related issues. Descriptive analysis and the chi-square and/or Fisher's exact tests were performed for categorical variables and the comparison test between two percentages. For quantitative variables, the Mann-Whitney U test was used because the variables did not adhere to the normal curve (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test) and homoscedasticity (Levene test). The logistic regression model was also used in order to evaluate the risk factors. The significance level was 5%. Results: Most workers were men (97,9%), with a mean age of 50,8 years (SD 10,3 years), of white ethnicity (58,5%), with high school or technical education (61, 2%) and who had a partner (83,7%). There was an association between men of white ethnicity and the patio/runway group (p<0,05). Regarding the risk of chance, workers aged over 50 years old (OR=4,37; CI:1,90-10,08) and not practicing regular physical activity (OR=2,49; CI: 1,49-4,15) were more likely to have cardiovascular symptoms. When comparing different groups by working area, it was found that working in patio/runway airport has 2,5 times (CI 95%: 1,02-6,44) more likely to have cardiovascular symptoms if compared to the indoor area. Conclusion: Airport patio/runway workers presented a higher risk of having cardiovascular symptoms compared to those working in other areas of the airport, suggesting a revision on occupational safety and health guidelines.