Environmental epidemiology and the metamorphosis of the human habitat.

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Abstract
Two strategies are proposed for the application of environmental epidemiology results. First, the collection and presentation of quantitative data on realistic human exposures and effects of sufficient predictive validity to be used as satisfactory bases for public health policies and regulations. Second, the collection of data without sufficient predictive validity for exposures of greater intensity and duration than normally occur. When applied to radiation exposure problems the present situation is most clearly described by the 2nd method, but studies are suggested whose results might permit the use of the 1st. Carbon monoxide control from motor vehicle exhaust is based on the 1st method. Possibly some of the health effects from cigarette smoking are related to carbon monoxide exposure. Psycho motor effects from low-level short-term exposures should be studied, as well as effects of long-term exposures on red blood count and hemoglobin metabolism. Sulfur oxides occur commonly with soot inpolluted urban areas, such as London. Epidemiological studies permit use of the 1st method for acute effects and the 2nd for long-term effects. Control of particulates is more easily accomplished than control of sulfur oxides, the long-term effects of which are still in need of study. Both increases and decreases in the outdoor temperature are associated with measurable, possibly preventable health effects, the former with increased deaths especially from vascular accidents in the elderly, and the latter, among other effects, with increased attack rates from asthma. The 1st method would be appropriate.