Air pollution-related disease and symptoms occurring in autumn and winter in a community of Shanghai

ObjectiveTo make an investigation on the occurrence of disease and symptoms in community residents and to evaluate the air pollution′s effect on the health of the population.

MethodsBy randomized cluster sampling method a total of 1 219 community residents was included for the investigation.

ResultsIt was found that the morbidity (or prevalence) in winter was higher than that in autumn, and there was statistical difference found between the two season investigations; The symptoms occurring in winter were mostly more than those in autumn.In addition, the differences in cough, throat swelling, runny nose, nasal congestion and sneezing showed statistical significance between the two season investigations.

ConclusionChanges in air quality in autumn and winter have impact on the respiratory system health of the population.