Applicazione di tecnologia GIS per la classificazione dei soggetti nello studio degli effetti dell'aerosol marino sulla prevalenza di asma in un campione di popolazione del Comune di Livorno

In this work GIS technology is applied to analyse the effects of marine aerosol and air pollution related to industrial emissions on the prevalence of asthma. This study makes use of data collected during the Italian multicentre survey ISAYA (Italian Study on Asthma in Young Adults, 1998 - 2000) on a random population sample of young adults living in Livorno. Subjects were georeferenced through their home residence address. Population was classified according to the distance from the coastline and from the main industrial sources. Statistical findings pointed out significant associations between: living within 300m of the coastline and the prevalence of attacks of asthma in females, living near industrial sources and manifesting cough and phlegm. This study highlights the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in research and the great role of GIS in public health research.