This study is a part of the Study On Air Pollution and Health In Taiwan (SOAPH thus further studies are needed.

Epidemiologic evidence and the United States air quality standards.

Adverse effect of air pollution on respiratory health of primary school children in Taiwan.

Respiratory and irritant health effects of a population living in a petrochemical-polluted area in Taiwan

In 1994–1995 a cross-sectional epidemiological study investigating the respiratory health of school children in two Taiwan areas was conducted; one area was located in a region with petrochemical manufacturing complexes (Linyuan), and the other was situated in a reference area with no local industrial emissions (Taihsi). All primary school children residing in the two areas were involved in the study. Four hundred seventy children were studied in the area with high exposure to industrial emissions, and 611 children lived in the reference area. Respiratory health was assessed by evaluation of the children's respiratory symptoms and illnesses, using a parent-completed questionnaire.



Particulates, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and acid aerosols levels were significantly higher in the exposed area than in the reference area. The school children in the petrochemical area had significantly more upper respiratory symptoms and asthma compared with the children living in the control area. Although the association with known petrochemical air pollution is suggestive, this cross-sectional study cannot confirm a causal relation and further studies are needed. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1998; 25:299–303. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Respiratory symptoms of primary school children living in a petrochemical polluted area in Taiwan.

The wonder of it all

This commentary focusses on research that has long been at the core of environmental epidemiology, air pollution health effect studies. It highlights publications in the American Journal of Epidemiology going back more than 50 years that have contributed to the debate about the validity of this research and its meaning for public policy. Technological advances have greatly expanded the toolbox of environmental epidemiologists in terms of measuring and analyzing complex exposures in large populations. Yet, discussions about biases in estimating air pollution health effects have always been and remain intense. Epidemiologists have brought new methodologies and concepts to this research alleviating some but not all concerns. Here, the focus is on seminal epidemiologic work that established valid links between air pollution exposures and health outcomes and generated data for environmental policies and prevention. This commentary hopes to inspire epidemiologists to address many more of the burning environmental health questions - wild fires included - with a similar scientific doggedness. The rapidly changing conditions of our planet are challenging us to innovate and offer solutions, albeit perhaps a little bit faster this time around. 

Epidemiologic evidence and the United States air quality standards.

Citations

Adverse effect of air pollution on respiratory health of primary school children in Taiwan.

Respiratory and irritant health effects of a population living in a petrochemical-polluted area in Taiwan

Respiratory symptoms of primary school children living in a petrochemical polluted area in Taiwan.

The wonder of it all

OUP accepted manuscript