New strategy toward dioxin risk reduction for local residents surrounding severe dioxin hotspots in Vietnam

Abstract

Background

A public health intervention program with active involvement of local related stakeholders was piloted in the Bien Hoa dioxin hotspot (2007–2009), and then expanded to the Da Nang dioxin hotspot in Vietnam (2009–2011). It aimed to reduce the risk of dioxin exposure through foods for local residents. This article presents the results of the intervention in Da Nang.

Methodology

To assess the results of this intervention program, pre- and post-intervention knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) surveys were implemented in 400 households, randomly selected from four wards surrounding the Da Nang Airbase in 2009 and 2011, respectively.

Results

After the intervention, the knowledge on the existence of dioxin in food, dioxin exposure pathways, potential high-risk foods, and preventive measures significantly increased (P<0.05). Ninety-eight percentage were willing to follow advice on preventing dioxin exposure. Practices to reduce the risk of dioxin exposure also significantly improved (P<0.05). After intervention, 60.4% of households undertook exposure preventive measures, significantly higher than that of the pre-intervention survey (39.6%; χ²=40.15, P<0.001). High-risk foods had quite low rates of daily consumption (from 0 to 2.5%) and were significantly reduced (P<0.05).

Conclusions

This is seen as an effective intervention strategy toward reducing the risk of human exposure to dioxin at dioxin hotspots. While greater efforts are needed for remediating dioxin-polluted areas inside airbases, there is also evidence to suggest that, during the past four decades, pollution has expanded to the surrounding areas. For this reason, this model should be quickly expanded to the remaining dioxin hotspots in Vietnam to further reduce the exposure risk in these areas.

• dioxin hotspots
• intervention program
• dioxin exposure through foods
• risk communication
• dioxin risk reduction
• Vietnam

Acknowledgements

The authors express their sincere thanks to the Ford Foundation and Dr. Charles Bailey for their financial support. They give special thanks to the active participation of Da Nang Provincial Public Health Association, Thanh Khe District Department of Preventive Medicine, collaborators, relevant local sectors, ward health centers, ward people committees and local residents at An Khe, Hoa Khe, Chinh Gian, and Thanh Khe wards, Da Nang City, Vietnam. Finally, the authors really appreciate the valuable comments from Associate Professor Nawi Ng, Umea University, Dr. Fiona Harden and Dr. Leisa-Maree Toms, Faculty of Health and IHBI, Queensland University of Technology and four external reviewers for their work on the first and second drafts of this article.