The effects of air pollution on health are of concern worldwide. There are
several pollutants of concern, among which are sulfur dioxide, total suspen
ded particulates, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic c
hemicals. In several studies, researchers investigated the effects of those
pollutants on lung and nasal functions, although in very few studies has n
asal function been addressed. We evaluated the effects of air pollution on
the prevalence of rhinitis in a metropolitan of Turkey, Istanbul. Until 199
4, coal was used for both domestic heating and industrial processes in the
city. Consequently, sulfur dioxide and total suspended particulate concentr
ations in the ambient air exceeded limits of air-quality standards. In rece
nt years, especially during the early 1990s, hazardous air pollution levels
were reached in Istanbul. In this study, we evaluated the incidence of rhi
nitis before and after installation of a natural-gas network in a polluted
area of the city. In 1994, 62.5% of the individuals studied suffered from r
hinitis, compared with 51% of the sample in 1996 (p <.05). Age, gender, smo
king status, heating source, nor household crowding significantly affected
this outcome. The findings strengthened the role of pollutant levels as ris
k factors for rhinitis.