Decreases in VC and FEV1 with time: Indicators for effects of smoking and air pollution
article
In longitudinal epidemiological investigations in Vlagtwedde and Vlaardingen in the Netherlands, the inhabitants of the moderately polluted town of Vlaardingen showed a greater decrease in VC and FEV1 with time than did the inhabitants of the rural community of Vlagtwedde. Furthermore, smokers compared with nonsmokers and heavy smokers with those who smoked less also showed a greater decline in VC and FEV1. Although in previous cross-sectional studies in the same populations we found no systematic relationship between air pollution (SO2, standard smoke, and oxidants) and decreased mean VC and FEV1 values, there are now indications that the air pollution in Vlaardingen indeed has a significant effect on the decrease in VC and FEV1 with time. The results of the studies therefore indicate that it is not advisable to increase the present air pollution standards for SO2 and standard smoke on the basis of the fact that previous cross-sectional epidemiological studies did not show evident hazardous effects of moderate levels of air pollution on VC and FEV1. Such an increase would be permissible only after longitudinal studies are carried out to prove that no harm is done to the inhabitants in the polluted area.
Chemicals/CAS: sulfur dioxide, 7446-09-5
Chemicals/CAS: sulfur dioxide, 7446-09-5
Topics
TNO Identifier
280730
ISSN
02727587
Source
Bulletin europeen de physiopathologie respiratoire, 17(5), pp. 775-792.
Pages
775-792
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