ASSESSMENT OF THE COMBINED HYGIENIC EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON THE HEALTH STATUS OF POPULATIONS RESIDING IN INDUSTRIAL AREAS

Background: Populations residing in industrial areas are simultaneously exposed to multiple environmental stressors, including air pollutants, noise, heavy metals in soil and water, and chemical contaminants. The combined hygienic effects of these factors on human health remain incompletely understood, particularly regarding their synergistic and cumulative impacts. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the combined hygienic effects of environmental factors—air pollution, water contamination, soil degradation, and occupational noise—on the health status of populations living in industrialized zones, and to identify the most significant risk determinants. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 1,248 participants from three industrial districts and one control (non-industrial) district over a 24-month period. Environmental monitoring included continuous measurement of particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), heavy metal concentrations in water and soil (lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury), and noise levels. Health assessments included spirometry, cardiovascular screening, neurological assessments, and a standardized self-reported health questionnaire. A combined hygienic index (CHI) was computed using a weighted aggregation model. Results: Participants in industrial areas exhibited significantly elevated prevalence rates of respiratory disorders (OR = 2.74; 95% CI: 2.10–3.57), cardiovascular abnormalities (OR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.78–3.00), and neurological symptoms (OR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.52–2.57) compared to the control group. The CHI was strongly correlated with morbidity burden (r = 0.81, p < 0.001). Heavy metal contamination and PM2.5 concentrations were identified as the most significant contributors to adverse health outcomes. Conclusions: The combined exposure to industrial environmental pollutants poses a substantial and multidimensional threat to population health. Integrated environmental monitoring and multi-hazard hygienic assessment frameworks are essential for effective public health protection in industrial zones.