Health and the Urban Environment

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Abstract
The effect of each of several pollutants on the health of urban families on the lower East Side of Hew York city has been assessed. Prevalence of certain symptoms on one day of the week (Monday) was assessed according to level of each pollutant (low, medium, or high). Prevalence was treated as a binomial variable (number of “yes” responses/number of “yes” and “no” respouses) whereas pollutant level was a continueous variable (but ordered, by thirds), according to the method of Armitage. In summer, in children under 8 years of age, prevalence of respiratory symptoms was directly related to increasing levels of particulate matter and of carbon monoxide. In heavy smokers, prevalence of eye irritation and headache was directly related to increasing levels of carbon monoxide.