Long term effects of air pollution in Europe.

The study population was enrolled in the 1974 survey aimed at investigating the effects of air pollution on chronic respiratory diseases (PAARC). During a three years period (1974–76) daily measurements of sulphur dioxide, total suspended particles, black smoke, nitrogen dioxide, and nitric oxide were performed in 24 French urban areas. The selected population was at the time aged between 25 and 59 years. The mobility of the population during the follow-up period (19742000) was assessed by searching the subjects on national phone files in 2000, using name and address in 1974. Their vital status and eventual causes of death were obtained through specialised departments of National Institute of Health and Medical Research and a computerised search through a national register.