[Population morbidity in Sofia as a reflection of the territorial characteristics of air pollution in the city].

Abstract

A study of ambient air pollution differences over the residential areas in Sofia and the effect of the morbidity of the population has been carried out. Correlation analysis between the average concentrations of particulates, SO2, NO2, H2S, phenol and lead, and the incidence of several groups of diseases among adults and children has been performed. It has been found out that air pollution is more intensive in the centre of the city as a consequence of the heavy motor vehicle traffic and the old way of town planning. The results point out also that diseases of the lung, eye and skin are more frequent among the residents of city areas situated next to industrial zones, while diseases of the cardiovascular, hemopoietic and endocrine systems are more typical in the city centre as compared to a control residential areas. Although ambient air pollution has been found to the moderate, the correlation analysis suggests an influence of air pollution on the incidence of chronic diseases and immune imbalance. It is supposed that each pollutant possesses an individual risk potential.