Valutazione con approccio GIS degli effetti del traffico sulla salute respiratoria

Traffic-related air pollution is considered to be a potential risk factor for respiratory human health. To examine whether distance from main roads has an effect on population respiratory health, a GIS-based approach is applied to data gathered during the epidemiological survey conducted in Pisa-Cascina area (central Italy) in 1991-93. Subjects are classified according to the distance of their residences from a major road, the Tosco-Romagnola street. Different spatial classifications are attempted using buffers techniques. Results indicate statistically significant associations between some symptoms/diseases (bronchial asthma, dyspnea, attacks of shortness of breath, chronic bronchitis, emphysema) and living in proximity of the road. Subjects living within 75m of the road report the highest risk level. These relationships are more pronounced in females than in males.