The Cause and Effects of Air Pollution
Cheryl E. Merritt
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Give FeedbackIII. EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION ON THE LUNGS
One study by Ishikawa et al. provided evidence that air pollution may cause or contribute to emphysema. A comparison was made of autopsy lung material from residents of two cities, Winnipeg Manitoba and St. Louis, Missouri. The Canadian city has a relatively low level of air pollution, whereas the American city characteristicly has high levels of industrial contaminants. Emphysema was found to be seven times more common in St. Louis for ages 20-49 and twice as common for ages over 60.
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Lets look at a comparison. Smoking was significant but not an isolated factor
(figure available in print form)
A 1960-66 post mortem examination of lungs of 300 residents of St. Louis, Missouri, and an equal number from Winnipeg, Canada. The subjects were matched by sex, occupation, socio-economic status, length of residence, smoking habits, and age at death.