Effect of residential proximity to the lignite-fired power plant on depression, sleep quality, and morning salivary cortisol in the elderly

Abstract

Exposures to air pollution of by-products emission from the lignite-fired power plant elevated risks of carcinogenic effects, endocrine disruptors, central nervous system structural and functional changes. Residence in the proximity of the lignite-fired power plant appeared to have more chance to have higher risks of health problems. This study aimed to assess associations of residential proximity to the lignite-fired power plant on depression, sleep quality, and morning salivary cortisol among the elderly. The distance of residential proximity to the power plant was categorized into three groups (units in kilometer): <10 km, 10-15 km, and >15 km. The coefficients of log (morning salivary cortisol) was -0.320 (95%CI: -0.460, -0.179; p-value < 0.001) for those living <10 km compared to those living >15 km. Coefficients of sleep quality score were 1.350 (95%CI: 0.265, 2.436; p-value = 0.015) for those living <10 km compared to those living >15 km. Residential proximity to the lignite-fired power plant was not associated with depression. Our study concluded that living within 10 km to the lignite-fired power plant was related to negative health outcomes among the elderly. Policymakers need to reconsider the distance of the buffer zone to the power plant.

Keywords: Air pollution; Depression; Elderly; Morning salivary cortisol; Sleep quality.