The prevalence of respiratory problems and the ventilatory functions in subjects belonging to three sample areas with different levels of pollution was studied to ascertain if there is any association between air pollutant levels and abnormal ventilatory functions. The predominant activity existing in that area served as the basis for stratification of the city into industrial (Group I), commercial (Group II) and residential (Group III) areas. Ambient air quality data of suspended particulate matter SPM, SO₂ and NO_x of the three sample areas were measured using standard methods. 216 men included in the study were administered the American Thoracic Society - Division of Lung Diseases ATS-DLD respiratory questionnaire, clinically examined and subjected to routine laboratory investigations.

http://aph.sagepub.com/content/12/2/58.abstract