[The effects of air pollution on the frequency of respiratory symptoms in the population of Nis and Niska Banja].
BACKGROUND
Ambient air pollution, particularly in densely populated urban areas, is a major risk factor for the health of the exposed population. The respiratory tract is the primary target for air pollutants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of' long-term exposure to air pollution and incidence of respiratory symptoms and diseases.


METHODS
Measurements of air pollutants: sulphur dioxide and soot particles, were carried out daily at the Institute of Public Health in Nis at two locations, in Nis and in Niska Banja, during the period 1999-2003. The Air Quality Index was calculated for both areas. The investigation included 654 women, nonsmokers, between 20-30 years of age, from two areas with different levels of common air pollutants. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases was determined on the basis of a modified WHO standard questionnaire completed by doctors.


RESULTS
The obtained results show that examinees from Nis had a statistically higher prevalence of some respiratory symptoms (cough with cold and phlegm) whereas women from Niska Banja had a statistically significantly higher prevalence of lower respiratory tract diseases.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term exposure to low concentrations of air pollutants is a contributing factor to the development of respiratory symptoms and diseases.
Stanković
Aleksandra
A
Institut za zastitu zdravlja Nis.
Nikić
Dragana
D
Nikolić
Maja
M
D000328:Adult; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D014505:Urban Population; D015022:Yugoslavia / Q000453:epidemiology
D000393:Air Pollutants