Respiratory symptoms and lung function disturbances in a polluted area of the Netherlands, compared with a rural area.

In an epidemiological field survey of CNSLD 1800 men and women aged 15-64 were studied in a rural area and an industrial area. In each person a standardized interview, lung function tests, cardiac examinations, analysis of the phlegm and chest X-ray were performed. The interview conducted with the standard questionnaire gives very good information regarding chronic effects of smoking and atmospheric pollution. Spirometry seems to be a sensitive method for registering an acute disturbances caused by air pollution.