Abstract |
Approximately 350 volunteers from East Cleveland, Ohio and 320 counterparts from Elyria, Ohio were studied for the chronic effects of air pollution. The East Cleveland area was chosen for its proximity to heavy industrial air pollution, and Elyria, because it is an urban area with an excellent past record for air quality. Air quality was monitored by two aerometric stations in each city using total suspended particulates, suspended sulfate, suspended nitrate, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide as criteria. The results of this study indicate that there are some significant differences in the young age groups for lung function tests and questionnaire responses which favor Elyria residents. Differences are also found in the older age groups, and while not as significant, favor the Cleveland residents. These results have many ramifications, the more obvious being that there is some selective migration associated with the Cleveland study area. It would appear that there may be an air pollution effect on the younger volunteers but more detailed study would be necessary for more definitive conclusions. |