Background/Aim. Analysis of air quality in Serbia indicates that the city of
Nis belongs to a group of cities characterized by the third category of air
quality (excessive air pollution). The aim of the study was to analyze the
degree of causality between ambient air quality affected by particulate
matter of 10 ?m (PM10) and carbon monoxide (CO) and the incidence of
respiratory diseases in preschool children in the city of Nis. Methods. We
quantified the influence of higher PM10 concentrations and carbon monoxide
comprising motor vehicle exhausts in the city of Nis on the occurrence of
unwanted health effects in preschool children by means of the hazard quotient
(HQ), individual health risk (Ri), and the probability of cancer (ICR). The
methodology used was according to the US Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), and it included basic scientific statistical methods, compilation
methods, and the relevant mathematical methods for assessing air pollution
health risk, based on the use of attribute equations. Results. Measurement of
ambient air pollutant concentrations in the analyzed territory for the entire
monitoring duration revealed that PM10 concentrations were significantly
above the allowed limits during 80% of the days. The maximum measured PM10
concentration was 191.6 ?g/m3, and carbon monoxide 5.415 mg/m3. The incidence
of respiratory diseases in the experimental group, with a prominent impact of
polluted air was 57.17%, whereas the incidence in the control group was
considerably lower, 41.10 %. There were also significant differences in the
distribution of certain respiratory diseases. Conclusion. In order to perform
good causal analysis of air quality and health risk, it is very important to
establish and develop a system for long-term monitoring, control, assessment,
and prediction of air pollution. We identified the suspended PM10 and CO as
ambient air pollutants causing negative health effects in the exposed
preschool children population.
Respiratory diseases in preschool children in the city of Nis exposed to suspended particulates and carbon monoxide from ambient air