Nitrogen dioxide and lower respiratory illness

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1967 · Prev. Med.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5602873

Pearlman, M E; Finklea, J F; Creason, J P; Shy, C M; Marion, M D; Young, M M; Horton, R J.M.

Significantly increased bronchitis morbidity was reported among elementary school children exposed for 2 and 3 years and infant cohorts exposed for 3 years to elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide in the ambient air. Both the relative proportion of children affected and the frequency of attacks in these cases were higher in the polluted areas. Morbidity associated with croup, pneumonia, and hospitalizations did not significantly differ among the three exposure areas studied - high, intermediate, and low. Retrospective questionnaire responses were validated by physician and hospital records. Question sensitivity exceeded 67% and specificity 70% for each clinical diagnosis. Lower respiratory tract infection appeared to be a sensitive host response indicator of air pollution. Increased bronchitis in childhood may augur increased morbidity and mortality in adulthood. 13 references, 12 tables.

• Research Organization: Dept. of Health, Education, and Welfare, Durham, NC
• OSTI ID: 5602873
• Journal Information: Prev. Med.; (United States), Journal Name: Prev. Med.; (United States); ISSN PVTMA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560306* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Man-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AGE GROUPS
AIR POLLUTION
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
BRONCHITIS
CHALCOGENIDES
CHILDREN
CHRONIC EXPOSURE
CORRELATIONS
DISEASES
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN DIOXIDE
NITROGEN OXIDES
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES