This GIS study is one part of a three-part project attempting to demonstrate
that industrial pollution does cause asthma. This is not to say that
only industrial pollution causes asthma but simply that industrial pollution
is one of the causal factors of asthma. This GIS project is the first
phase of the project and it demonstrates a spatial correlation between
industrial pollution and asthma prevalence. The second phase of the
project is a time-series analysis which is hoped to show a temporal correlation
between high pollution levels and time periods of high numbers of asthma
cases at Oakwood Hospital. This phase of the project is concurrently
underway. The third phase of the project is an EPA approved air pollution
model of industrial pollution in the Detroit/Dearborn area. This
phase of the project we hope to have underway by the end of the summer
of 1999.
The results from the GIS study indicate a high degree of clustering in the Dearborn area. This brings about serious concern for the people living in this area. The Dearborn area has one of the largest communities of Arab Americans in the United States. Further research needs to be done to determine if the Arab Americans are disproportionately impacted by the industrial pollution in the Dearborn area.