Abstract
A public relief-system has been established since 1965 in Yokkaichi for patients whose symptoms are regarded to have been caused by air pollution.
To date 710 patients came under this relief-system.
Results of epidemiological research on the present state of these patients:
1) Incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases had a tendency to increase in relation to the degree of air pollution.
2) Incidence in infants and old age groups was higher than in other age groups, and in males about twice that of females.
3) In Isozu, the highest polluted area in Yokkaichi, the number of new patients increased until 1965, and gradually decreased in parallel with a decrease in pollution level following construction of higher smoke stacks.
Bronchial asthma incidence peaks occurred at the beginning of air pollution, while peaks of chronic and asthmatic bronchitis occurred affer 2 to 3 years.
