Bose-Einstein correlations in multiple particle production

Bose-Einstein correlations are studied in the framework of a class of indep endent particle production models. This generalizes the studies for a varie ty of models proposed previously. It is shown that the Bose-Einstein correl ations lead for this class of models to Einstein's condensation at sufficie ntly high density. They also enhance unusual charge distributions and may e xplain the centauro and anticentauro events reported by cosmic ray physicis ts. For typical models the correlations cause a shrinking of the momentum d istribution of the produced identical particles and an apparent shrinking o f the production region.