[Identification of health endangering substances in air pollution]

In a health-related evaluation of the environment, timely recognition of possible health hazards is of much greater significance than describing health injuries that have already occurred. The following model has been found to be workable: The entire study consists of 4 parts which are quite significant when compared with each other and analyzed statistically. (1) Detailed interviews with physicians in practice in the area examined (2) Spirometric tests among school children in third and fourth grades (elementary school) (3) Questionnaires to be completed by the parents of the school children examined, in which the questions implied in (1) are also included. (4) The results obtained are compared to the available data pertaining to the air quality in the region. Possible exposure to adverse indoor conditions in schools and homes are also taken into consideration.