[Air pollution and morbidity in the Haifa region]

The effects of exposure to air pollution (defined by levels of SO2) were studied in a representative sample of over 3,500 households in the greater Haifa area. The sample was drawn from 16 high and low pollution neighborhoods which also represented different socioeconomic strata. A very significant relationship was found between levels of pollution in residential and work areas and self-reported respiratory symptoms and diseases. This finding was strongly supported by a statistically significant relationship between actual measured levels of pollution in the 2 weeks prior to the interview and the use of medical services by both adults and children, as well as by the number of days their activity was restricted during that period.