Prevalence rates of respiratory symptoms in Italian general population samples exposed to different levels of air pollution.

摘要: We surveyed two general population samples aged 8 to 64 living in the unpolluted, rural area of Po Delta (northern Italy) (n = 3289) and urban Pisa (central 2917). Each subject filled out a standardized interviewer-administered questionnaire. The sample was divided into three groups according their residence urban-suburban areas outdoor air pollution exposure (automobile exhaust only or industrial fumes as well). Significantly higher prevalence rates all respiratory symptoms diseases were found compared with Delta. In particular, rhinitis wheezing zones; chronic cough phlegm zone automobile additional exposure. Current smoking more frequent area, but smokers had lifetime cigarette consumption. Childhood trouble recurrent illnesses evenly distributed. Exposure parental childhood lower educational level Delta, whereas familial history respiratory/allergic disorders work indoor exposures often reported city. Multiple logistic regression models estimating independently role various risk factors showed significant odds ratios associated for phlegm. For example, those urban-industrial an ratio 4.0 (4.3-3.7) 2.8 (3.0-2.6) wheeze respect Delta.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)