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B G Ferris

Publications and source records attributed to B G Ferris.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1983

The Six-City Study: examples of problems in analysis of the data.

This paper presents some of the results from cross-sectional analyses and studies during air pollution alerts obtained as a part of the Six-City Study, a longitudinal study of the respiratory effects of air pollution. These analyses illustrate some of the limitations and uncertainties of epidemiologic studies. For example, an earlier report noted increased respiratory illness rates for children living in homes where gas was used for cooking. A later analysis did not confirm this. Reasons for this are explored by using different criteria and variables to be controlled for. The results illustrate that the strength of the association between cooking fuel and illness was sensitive to the definitions of the variables and the number of subjects and city cohorts. Similar examples are presented for illness rates for four respiratory diseases: asthma, bronchitis, illness before age 2 and illness last winter. These examples of cross-sectional analyses emphasize the ambiguities of studies of possible health effects of air pollution exposures close to the present ambient air quality standards.

Air Pollution↗
PubMed1981

Assessment of the health effects of atmospheric sulfur oxides and particulate matter: evidence from observational studies.

Steadily rising energy costs have increased the need for reliable information on the health effects of atmospheric sulfur oxides and particulate matter. Because ethical and practical considerations limit studies of this question under controlled conditions, observational studies provide an important part of the relevant information. This paper examines the currently available epidemiologic evidence from population studies of the health effects of these pollutants. Nonexperimental studies also have important limitations, including the inability to measure accurately the exposure burden of free living individuals, and the potential for serious confounding by other factors affecting health. We begin with a discussion of some of these methodologic issues. The evidence is then reviewed, first in association with fluctuations in 24 hr mean concentration of sulfur oxides and particulate matter, and then in association with differences in mean annual concentration. In the last section, this evidence is summarized and used to approximate the exposure-response relationship linking pollutant concentrations with mortality and morbidity levels.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1979

Mortality and morbidity in a pulp and a paper mill in the United States: a ten-year follow-up.

Two hundred and seventy-one men seen in 1963, who worked in a pulp and a paper mill, were followed up ten years later, in 1973. Death certificates were obtained for those who died. There did not appear to be any increased mortality in the group, nor was there any increased specific cause of death. A morbidity study of 200 men seen at both times did not show any differences in respiratory symptoms or prevalence of chronic non-specific respiratory disease. Analysis of pulmonary function showed little, if any, difference between groups. Analysis of retired, deceased, and still-working categories did suggest that exposures to Cl2 or SO2 might have a slight adverse effect on pulmonary function.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Effects of sulfur oxides and respirable particles on human health. Methodology and demography of populations in study.

As part of a study of health effects of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, we have established a cohort of adults 25 to 74 yr of age in 6 communities who will be followed prospectively. At the conclusion of our first cycle of measuring the health of adults in 6 sites we found that, although we used different sampling frames, our samples were close to the distribution shown in the U.S. Census for age, sex, and occupation, with the possible exception of one city. Analysis of the cross-sectional data indicated that for both age- and height-adjusted values for forced expiratory volume in 1 s and for selected rates of various respiratory symptoms standardized for age, differences among smoking groups were apparent. Differences in these parameters between sites suggest trends that were associated with levels of pollution. Further analyses of the prospective data currently being collected will be required before definitive statements can be made about the effect of specific levels of exposure.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Apparent effect of an azodicarbonamide on the lungs. A preliminary report.

This preliminary study calls attention to the possible pulmonary reactivity of inhaled finely ground azodicarbonamide to which small numbers of workers may be exposed. The conditions in this particular plant involving significant exposure to respirable dust in the mg/m3 range may occur in other plants handling these fine powders. Engineering controls are indicated to protect the workers. We hope that this report will stimulate more detailed studies to validate or refute these observations.

Azo Compounds↗
PubMed1976

Chronic nonspecific respiratory disease in Berlin, New Hampshire, 1967 to 1973. A further follow-up study.

The 1967 sample of Berlin, New Hampshire was resurveyed in 1973 by means of a standard questionnaire on respiratory symptoms and by simple tests of pulmonary function. Measurements of the levels of air pollution showed a decrease in the number of suspended particulates and an increase in the concentration of sulfation. These values were close to the Federal Primary Standard. No differences in respiratory symptoms, prevalences of chronic, nonspecific respiratory disease, or pulmonary function were detected. Within the limitations of this study, we concluded that the Federal Primary Standards for sulfur dioxide and total suspended particulates are probably adequate to protect the public.

Adult↗