초록
The major purpose of this study was to determine the effects of air pollution on respiratory diseases. From the analysis of $SO_2$, $NO_2$ and TSP levels measured at two air pollution monitoring stations(K & E area) of Seoul during Jan. 1988-Dec. 1990, pollution level of K area was higher than E area. Insurance out-patient records for the medical fee reimbusement submitted to the National Federation of Medical Insurance from Jan. to Dec. 1990 were used in order to assess the occurrence of respiratory disease. The results were as follows ; 1. The annual mean levels of $SO_2$, $NO_2$ and TSP in K area were 0.08lppm, O.03lppm and 173.4${\mu}g/m^3$, whereas those of E area were 0.044ppm, 0.02lppm and 146.0 ${\mu}g/m^3$ respectively. The mean levels of above three air pollutants between two areas showed difference about 1.2 times-1.8 times by air pollutant. 2. The monthly out-patient incidence rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, chronic bronchitis and asthma in K area were higher when compared with those of E area. The monthly out-patient incidence rates of above three chronic respiratory disease of two areas studied showed statistically significant difference about 1.3 times, 2.7 times, 1.4 times respectively. No difference were, however, shown in acute respiratory infections. 3. Highest incidence rates of out-patients could be observed among the group of children less than 10 years old, while adult out-patient incidence rates increased as age increased. 4. The relation between air pollution and chronic respiratory disease was obvious especially, the strongly significant correlation was observed between $NO_2$ and chronic bronchitis.