Pediatric problems in upper Silesia--region of ecological disaster

Abstract

Increasing rates of infant mortality and child diseases in the Upper Silesian Industry Region are indices of the declared ecological disaster. The concentrations of 11 ecotoxins established in air and soil is related to the infant mortality rate, according to the degree of pollution. The percentage of infants with birthweight below 2500 g is the highest in the most polluted towns, such as Chorzów, Zabrze, Bytom. The dominating causes of infant mortality in Zabrze were infections and congenital anomalies among babies born with significantly lower birthweight. The parents of dead children have been resident for at least 15 years. In Katowice district (south-western area of Poland) there is an increasing frequency of chronic respiratory, cardiovascular, oncological and allergic diseases among children.