Tear gas exposure and its association with respiratory emergencies in infants and older adults during the social uprising of 2019 in Chile: an observational, longitudinal, repeated measures study.

Objective: To evaluate if extensive use of tear gas during the Chilean social uprising of 2019 was associated with a higher frequency of respiratory emergencies and bronchial diseases in a residential vulnerable population.

Design: Observational, longitudinal, repeated measures study.

Settings: Six healthcare centres (one emergency department and five urgent care centres) in the city of Concepción, Chile during 2018 and 2019.

Impact of proximity of thermoelectric power plants on bronchial obstructive crisis rates.

Background: Environmental pollution is a risk factor for cardiorespiratory diseases. Energy generated by thermoelectric power plants (TEPP) represents a relevant source of pollution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between living near a coal-fired TEPP and the consultation rates for bronchial obstructive crises (BOC) in the province of Concepción, Chile.