ASTHMA AND FACTORY EMISSIONS IN NORTHERN ENGLAND - ADDRESSING PUBLIC CONCERN BY COMBINING GEOGRAPHICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS

Study objective - The prevalence of asthma was assessed to investigate respiratory health effects of airborne emissions from a factory. A ge ographical information system allowed flexible definition of study are as in terms of their size, distance, and location in relation to the f actory. The value of the approach for this type of investigation is fo cussed on. Setting - The factory is located in the south western part of a small market town in County Durham. Measurements and main results - A total of 1573 asthma cases were identified horn general practitio ner computerised repeat prescribing systems. Population denominators w ere defined from family health services authority patient registers. T he area within 1 km and immediately to the north east of the factory h ad an age and sex standardised asthma prevalence 24% (confidence inter val 4, 44%) in excess of the expected rate (p = 0.01). The increased p revalence was confined to middle aged and elderly adults living in the area between 0.5 and 1 km to the north east of the factory. Conclusio ns - The value of combining the skills of geographers and epidemiologi sts in addressing public health issues is shown, particularly through the use of geographical information systems which proved powerful and effective.