The content of elements in rainwater and its relation to the frequency of hospitalization for arterial hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and psoriasis in Opole Voivodship, Poland during 2000-2002.

The content of chemical elements in rainwater is a suitable indirect indicator of its presence in airborne dust, sometimes referred to as rain fallout. Rainwater is considered a suitable monitor for environmental or natural pollution. The yearly content of chemical elements in rainwater may be considered as a good indicator for determining the influence of these environmental factors on the human body. We decided to investigate the relationship between chemical elements in rainwater and the frequency of hospitalizations for arterial hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and psoriasis. There is a mild correlation between zinc and cadmium and cases of arterial hypertension. For obstructive pulmonary disease, there is a strong correlation with the content of potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, lead and nickel, and with chloride, sulfide, total nitrogen, and nitrites. There is also a mild correlation with magnesium, zinc, copper, cadmium and chromium, and with ammonium nitrogen. In cases of hospitalization for psoriasis, a correlation was revealed with such elements as potassium, ammonium nitrogen, and phosphorus.