Abstract
Two groups of twenty children between the ages of 8 and 12 years, who lived in areas near the petrochemical complex in Table View, were studied to ascertain the prevalence of respiratory disease. A random sample of 15children from each group was subjected to lung function testing using the ELF. Results showed a higher incidence of respiratory disease in the group living closer to the petrochemical complex, but the sample was too small to show any statistical significance. There was no difference in lung function test results between the two groups, but both groups demonstrated lower values than the predicted norms for their age, weight and height.
Highlights
During the last decade there has been an increasing awareness of environmental pollution and, in particular, of the effects of pollution on m an’s health and his continued existence.In the Cape Peninsula this problem is as pressing as elsewhere
There was a higher reported incidence o f respiratory disease in group B, but because the sample is so small no statistical significance can be attached to the differences in incidence o f the various specific dis eases (Table 1)
The higher incidence of smokers in group B parents may have played a role in the higher incidence o f disease in this group
Summary
During the last decade there has been an increasing awareness of environmental pollution and, in particular, of the effects of pollution on m an’s health and his continued existence.In the Cape Peninsula this problem is as pressing as elsewhere. If one drives in the direction of Table View and Bloubergstrand there is always a visible cloud of gaseous sm oke which varies in degree and shifts in position according to the wind direction These gasses orig inate in the petrochem ical industries in this area. Physiotherapists and medical doctors practising in these areas confirm that local inhabitants too are concerned about the potential threat to their health caused by these pollutants.[1] At the request of local authorities and the D epartm ent o f H ealth, the CS1R conducted an epidemiological study during 1983, in which they investigated the effects of air-pollution on the mortality and morbidity of local inhabi tants, with specific reference to respiratory problems. An increased incidence of respiratory problems was reported by people living in the experimental area
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
