The University of Akron Study on Air Pollution and Human Health Effects I. Methodology, Baseline Data, and Aerometrics

Abstract

This study determined the health effects of ambient air pollutants in two grade school populations in Akron, Ohio. One school is adjacent to industry and has elevated levels of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and moderate levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), while the other school is 4 km east and unpolluted. This study was designed in this manner for two purposes: (1) to identify and monitor ambient levels of air pollutants in an area proximal to the grade school so that the levels could be accurately assessed, and (2) to determine baseline pulmonary function values and questionnaire responses from the parents indicating any acute and/or chronic respiratory problem in the child. Ninety-five percent of the children enrolled in this study lived within 2 km of the schools and aerometric stations, thus providing for careful control in the study design.

The results of this study indicate that SO₂ and NO₂ levels are significantly higher in the school adjacent to industry. Although pulmonary function data were not significantly different between schools, the frequency of questionnaire responses to acute and chronic pulmonary problems was greater in the children at the school adjacent to industry. The data tend to indicate early pulmonary effects of air pollution in children living adjacent to industry and exposed to elevated levels of SO₂ and NO₂. We suggest that additional longitudinal work that carefully monitors total suspended particulates, NO₂, SO₂, and health data should be conducted to confirm these results.