Analisi dell'associazione tra inquinamento da traffico autoveicolare e salute respiratoria con uso di metodologia GIS in un campione di popolazione di Pisa-Cascina

To examine whether distance from main roads has an effect on the incidence of respiratory symptoms/diseases, an approach based on Geographical Information System (GIS) was applied to the epidemiological survey conducted in Pisa-Cascina area (Tuscany) in 1991-93 (2062 subjects, aged 8-97 years). By using GIS, subjects living within 800 m of the major road were geocoded using home address method. Subjects were classified according to the distance of each home from the main road. Different spatial classifications are attempted at by using buffering techniques. Results indicate statistically significant associations among some respiratory symptoms/diseases and living in the close proximity of the road. The study points out the added value of GIS in Public and Environmental Health Research.