Upper respiratory symptoms presumably due to studded tire-generated dust

Abstract The particulate concentrations in ambient air was elevated in winter seasons in the center of the city of Sendai, presumably due to the extensive use of the studded tires for automobiles; the levels of 493 and 212 μg/m 3 were recorded for total particulates and respirable particulates, respectively. The subjective symptom prevalence was investigated by means of self-completion questionnaires in January–February 1984, among the ≥40-yr-old inhabitants of both sexes in the center of Sendai city (annual average total particulate concentration, 28 μg/m 3 ) and also in two whole townships of Wakuya and Tajiri where the air was clean (annual average total particulate concentration, 14 μg/m 3 ). About 17400, 8500, and 6200 respondents were obtained from Sendai, Wakuya, and Tajiri, with an average response rate of 87%. The survey was repeated again in September–October of the same year utilizing one-eighth of the first survey respondents with the response rate of 78%. The analyses of the January–February survey results after adjustment for age and smoking disclosed that prevalence rates of the upper respiratory symptoms such as rhinorrhea, frequent sneezing, phlegm, and sore throat were significantly higher ( p