János Bobvos

Short-term effects of ambient particles on cardiovascular and respiratory mortality

Background: Particulate air pollution is associated with increased mortality. There is a need for European results from multicountry databases concerning cause-specific mortality to obtain more accurate effect estimates. Methods: We report the estimated effects of ambient particle concentrations (black smoke and particulate matter less than 10 μm [PM10]) on cardiovascular and respiratory mortality, from 29 European cities, within the Air Pollution and Health: a European Approach (APHEA2) project. We applied a 2-stage hierarchical modeling approach assessing city-specific effects first and then overall effects. City characteristics were considered as potential effect modifiers. Results: An increase in PM10 by 10 μg/m3 (lag 0 + 1) was associated with increases of 0.76% (95% confidence interval = 0.47 to 1.05%) in cardiovascular deaths and 0.58% (0.21 to 0.95%) in respiratory deaths. The same increase in black smoke was associated with increases of 0.62% (0.35 to 0.90%) and 0.84% (0.11 to 1.57%), respectively. Conclusions: These effect estimates are appropriate for health impact assessment and standard-setting procedures.

The Effect of Temperature and Heat Waves on Daily Mortality in Budapest, Hungary, 1970 – 2000

We investigated the association of weather on daily mortality in Budapest, 1970 – 2000, with special regard to heat waves. Budapest has a continental climate and experiences extreme heat episodes. In the past 30 years, the minimum and maximum daily temperatures in Budapest has significantly increased, as well as daily variability in summer. A 5 °C increase in daily mean temperature above 18 °C increases the risk of total mortality by 10.6 % (95 % CI 9.7, 14.0). The effect of hot weather on cardiovascular mortality is even greater. Six heat episodes were identified from 1993 to 2000 using standardized methods. During each episode, a short term excess in mortality occurred. During the early June heatwave in 2000, excess mortality was greater than 50 % over the three day period. We conclude that temperature, especially heat waves, represent an important environmental burden on mortality in the residents of Budapest. Heat waves that occur early in the summer are particularly dangerous. There is a need to improve public health advice in order to reduce the burden of heat waves on human health in Hungary.

Pyrigemmula, a novel hyphomycete genus on grapevine and tree bark.

The anamorphic taxon Pyrigemmula aurantiaca gen. et sp. nov. is described and illustrated from specimens that were collected from the inner bark of living woody hosts (Vitis vinifera, Pyrus communis, Mespilus germanica, Platanus hybrida, Elaeagnus angustifolia) and plant debris in Hungary. The fungus is generically distinct in the nature of the pyriform, golden conidiogenous cell with a solitary terminal pore and the ellipsoidal, distoseptate, phragmoconidia that germinate from each end and that have a rarely noted internal hilum quite unlike the hilum of the conidiogenous cell. The new fungus is compared with the type species of a number of allied genera of hyphomycetes. Free spores of the fungus were trapped in air, honeydew sap and rainwater samples. Aerobiological studies showed that the spores are infrequent in the air, whereas their concentration increased with higher atmospheric pressure. Pyrigemmula aurantiaca lives in bark fissures and rarely becomes airborne and the spores are mainly dispersed by rain splash.

Erratum to: Identification of airborne propagules of the Gibberella fujikuroi species complex during maize production

The airborne dispersal of the anamorphs of the Gibberella fujikuroi species complex was studied under pre- and postharvest maize (corn) production conditions using a 3-stage Andersen sampler. The aim of this study was to identify and analyse the size distribution of such species in air samples. Differences were observed between the concentration of large- and small-sized propagules (identified as aggregates and single microconidia, respectively), but the difference was only significant during a high concentration period (October 2007, P = 0.009). No correlation was found between the concentration of fusaria found at different sampling heights (10 and 150 cm above ground level). Fusarium isolates were collected and identified based on morphological characters and using species-specific PCR assays. The PCR analysis confirmed morphological identification of F. verticillioides, F. proliferatum and F. subglutinans. High concentrations were found during the maize harvest, loading and corn shelling. Our results showed that the monitoring of F. verticillioides should be performed at a single sampling height.

Health Impacts of Heat Waves of 2007 in Hungary – Background and Experiences

In the second half of July 2007 a record breaking heat wave arrived in Central–Eastern Europe. For Hungary it was the ever recorded longest and hottest heat wave concerning both daily maximum, minimum, and mean temperature. During the summer 2007 there was a milder heat wave between June 19 and 23, between July 16 and 24 an extremely intensive heat wave affected the country, and the last heat wave affecting only some parts of the country arrived to Hungary between August 23 and 26.

A gyermekkori asztma prevalenciájának növekedése Budapesten 1995 és 2003 között a (változatlan) légszennyezettségi és pollen adatok tükrében

INTRODUCTION According to the data of the Hungarian pulmonological network, the prevalence of asthma in the last 15 years has increased (almost linearly) in Hungary. In 2004 it was 1.8%. There are only a few data about the prevalence of childhood asthma. AIMS The aim of the authors was to measure the prevalence of bronchial asthma in childhood in Budapest in 1995, 1999 and 2003, using questionnaires directed to district pediatricians. METHODS There were only two questions in these questionnaires: how many children are in their districts, and how many are suffering from asthma? Besides of this survey the dust, CO, NO(2) and SO(2) concentrations in the air were measured on-line at 8 points in Budapest, while ozone level measurements were also made at 2 stations. The counts of pollen and of fungal elements in the air were calculated separately for Buda and for Pest. RESULTS In 1995, replies were received from 118 pediatricians in 11 districts, who were responsible for the supervision of 104,060 children, out of these 1.88+/-0.87% had been diagnosed as having asthma. In 1999 replies were sent by 153 physicians in 22 of the 23 districts, who had a total of 142,679 children under their care. These included 3228 asthmatics, i.e. a prevalence of 2.26+/-0.95%. In 2003 the authors received answers from all of the 23 districts of Budapest. The 204 pediatricians were responsible for the supervision of 176 049 children. The number of patients with the diagnosis of asthma was 4712 (corresponding for a prevalence of 2.68+/-1.3%). The increase between 1995 and 1999, and between 1999 and 2003 was highly significant (p < 0.0001). This significant increase was valid even when the authors analysed only those 11 districts, which answered already in 1995. The level of air pollution in Budapest did not deteriorate in the period in question, and the concentration of pollen grains of plants causing allergy did not increase compared to previous years. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of the results of more than 100 thousand children, the authors conclude that between 1995 and 2003 the proportion of asthmatic children increased by 50% in Budapest, while the air pollution did not deteriorate and the pollen concentration from sensitizing plants did not increase.Bevezetes: A magyarorszagi asztma prevalencia a legutobbi 15 evben egyenletesen nőtt, az Orszagos Koranyi TBC es Pulmonologiai Intezet nyilvantartasa szerint 2004-ben elerte az 1,8%-ot. A gyermekkori asztma hazai gyakorisagara vonatkozoan csak szorvanyos felmeresekből szarmazo adatok vannak. Celok: Szerzők celul tűztek ki a teruletet ellato gyermekorvosoktol nyert adatok segitsegevel a budapesti gyermekek asztma prevalenciajanak a felmereset 1995-ben, 1999-ben es 2003-ban. Megkisereltek az esetleges valtozas okat is felderiteni. Modszerek: Ennek erdekeben kerdőiveket kuldtek a 23 keruleti szakfelugyelő gyermekgyogyasz főorvosnak, melyet ők a teruletet ellato kollegaknak tovabbitottak. Ebben csupan azt kerdeztek, hany gyermek tartozik a korzetukbe es kozuluk hanyrol tudjak biztosan, hogy asztmaban szenved. Emellett Budapest 8 pontjan folyamatosan mertek a levegő CO, NO2, SO2, O3 es szallo por koncentraciojat, valamint kulon Pesten es Budan a pollenszamot. Eredmenyek: 1995-ben 11 keruletből 108 gyermekorvos valaszolt. Az altaluk kezelt 104.060 gyermek kozul 1962-ről tudtak, hogy asztmaban szenved, ami 1,88±0,87%-os prevalenciat jelent. 1999-ben 22 keruletből, 153 kollegatol kaptak valaszt. A gondozasuk alatt allo 142.679 (0–18 ev kozotti) gyermek 2,26±0,94%-at asztmaskent tartottak nyilvan (osszesen 3228-at). 2003-ban mar mind a 23 budapesti keruletből sikerult valaszhoz jutniuk. A 204 kollega altal ellatott 176.049 gyermek kozott minden eddiginel tobb (4712) az asztmaban szenvedő, ami a prevalencia 2,68±1,31%-ra tortenő emelkedeset jelenti. A novekedes uteme mind 1995 es 1999, mind 1999 es 2003 kozott szignifikans (p < 0.0001). Ez a szignifikans novekedes akkor is igazolhato, ha csak azt a 11 keruletet hasonlitjuk ossze a vizsgalt evekben, amelyekből mar 1995-ben is erkezett valasz. A mert legszennyező anyagok koncentracioja nem nőtt a vizsgalt evek alatt es a leginkabb allergizalo novenyek pollenszama sem emelkedett. Kovetkeztetesek: Joval tobb mint 100 ezer gyermek vizsgalati adata alapjan megallapithato, hogy 1995 es 2003 kozott az asztmas gyermekek aranya masfelszeresere nőtt Budapesten, mikozben a legszennyezettseg nem romlott es a pollenszam sem emelkedett. Introduction: According to the data of the Hungarian pulmonological network, the prevalence of asthma in the last 15 years has increased (almost linearly) in Hungary. In 2004 it was 1.8%. There are only a few data about the prevalence of childhood asthma. Aims: The aim of the authors was to measure the prevalence of bronchial asthma in childhood in Budapest in 1995, 1999 and 2003, using questionnaires directed to district pediatricians. Methods: There were only two questions in these questionnaires: how many children are in their districts, and how many are suffering from asthma? Besides of this survey the dust, CO, NO2 and SO2 concentrations in the air were measured on-line at 8 points in Budapest, while ozone level measurements were also made at 2 stations. The counts of pollen and of fungal elements in the air were calculated separately for Buda and for Pest. Results: In 1995, replies were received from 118 pediatricians in 11 districts, who were responsible for the supervision of 104 060 children, out of these 1.88±0.87% had been diagnosed as having asthma. In 1999 replies were sent by 153 physicians in 22 of the 23 districts, who had a total of 142 679 children under their care. These included 3228 asthmatics, i.e. a prevalence of 2.26±0.95%. In 2003 the authors received answers from all of the 23 districts of Budapest. The 204 pediatricians were responsible for the supervision of 176 049 children. The number of patients with the diagnosis of asthma was 4712 (corresponding for a prevalence of 2.68±1.3%). The increase between 1995 and 1999, and between 1999 and 2003 was highly significant (p < 0.0001). This significant increase was valid even when the authors analysed only those 11 districts, which answered already in 1995. The level of air pollution in Budapest did not deteriorate in the period in question, and the concentration of pollen grains of plants causing allergy did not increase compared to previous years. Conclusions: On the basis of the results of more than 100 thousand children, the authors conclude that between 1995 and 2003 the proportion of asthmatic children increased by 50% in Budapest, while the air pollution did not deteriorate and the pollen concentration from sensitizing plants did not increase.

The paradox of the binomial Ixodes ricinus activity and the observed unimodal Lyme borreliosis season in Hungary.

The change of ambient temperature plays a key role in determining the run of the annual Lyme season. Our aim was to explain the apparent contradiction between the annual unimodal Lyme borreliosis incidence and the bimodal Ixodes ricinus tick activity run – both observed in Hungary – by distinguishing the temperature-dependent seasonal human and tick activity, the temperature-independent factors, and the multiplicative effect of human outdoor activity in summer holiday, using data from Hungary in the period of 1998–2012. This separation was verified by modeling the Lyme incidence based on the separated factors, and comparing the run of the observed and modeled incidence. We demonstrated the bimodality of tick season by using the originally unimodal Lyme incidence data. To model the outdoor human activity, the amount of camping guest nights was used, which showed an irregular run from mid-June to September. The human outdoor activity showed a similar exponential correlation with ambient temperature to that what the relative incidence did. It was proved that summer holiday has great influence on Lyme incidence.

Increase in prevalence of childhood asthma in Budapest between 1995 and 2003: is there a connection with the air pollution data or the total pollen count?

INTRODUCTION According to the data of the Hungarian pulmonological network, the prevalence of asthma in the last 15 years has increased (almost linearly) in Hungary. In 2004 it was 1.8%. There are only a few data about the prevalence of childhood asthma. AIMS The aim of the authors was to measure the prevalence of bronchial asthma in childhood in Budapest in 1995, 1999 and 2003, using questionnaires directed to district pediatricians. METHODS There were only two questions in these questionnaires: how many children are in their districts, and how many are suffering from asthma? Besides of this survey the dust, CO, NO(2) and SO(2) concentrations in the air were measured on-line at 8 points in Budapest, while ozone level measurements were also made at 2 stations. The counts of pollen and of fungal elements in the air were calculated separately for Buda and for Pest. RESULTS In 1995, replies were received from 118 pediatricians in 11 districts, who were responsible for the supervision of 104,060 children, out of these 1.88+/-0.87% had been diagnosed as having asthma. In 1999 replies were sent by 153 physicians in 22 of the 23 districts, who had a total of 142,679 children under their care. These included 3228 asthmatics, i.e. a prevalence of 2.26+/-0.95%. In 2003 the authors received answers from all of the 23 districts of Budapest. The 204 pediatricians were responsible for the supervision of 176 049 children. The number of patients with the diagnosis of asthma was 4712 (corresponding for a prevalence of 2.68+/-1.3%). The increase between 1995 and 1999, and between 1999 and 2003 was highly significant (p < 0.0001). This significant increase was valid even when the authors analysed only those 11 districts, which answered already in 1995. The level of air pollution in Budapest did not deteriorate in the period in question, and the concentration of pollen grains of plants causing allergy did not increase compared to previous years. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of the results of more than 100 thousand children, the authors conclude that between 1995 and 2003 the proportion of asthmatic children increased by 50% in Budapest, while the air pollution did not deteriorate and the pollen concentration from sensitizing plants did not increase.Bevezetes: A magyarorszagi asztma prevalencia a legutobbi 15 evben egyenletesen nőtt, az Orszagos Koranyi TBC es Pulmonologiai Intezet nyilvantartasa szerint 2004-ben elerte az 1,8%-ot. A gyermekkori asztma hazai gyakorisagara vonatkozoan csak szorvanyos felmeresekből szarmazo adatok vannak. Celok: Szerzők celul tűztek ki a teruletet ellato gyermekorvosoktol nyert adatok segitsegevel a budapesti gyermekek asztma prevalenciajanak a felmereset 1995-ben, 1999-ben es 2003-ban. Megkisereltek az esetleges valtozas okat is felderiteni. Modszerek: Ennek erdekeben kerdőiveket kuldtek a 23 keruleti szakfelugyelő gyermekgyogyasz főorvosnak, melyet ők a teruletet ellato kollegaknak tovabbitottak. Ebben csupan azt kerdeztek, hany gyermek tartozik a korzetukbe es kozuluk hanyrol tudjak biztosan, hogy asztmaban szenved. Emellett Budapest 8 pontjan folyamatosan mertek a levegő CO, NO2, SO2, O3 es szallo por koncentraciojat, valamint kulon Pesten es Budan a pollenszamot. Eredmenyek: 1995-ben 11 keruletből 108 gyermekorvos valaszolt. Az altaluk kezelt 104.060 gyermek kozul 1962-ről tudtak, hogy asztmaban szenved, ami 1,88±0,87%-os prevalenciat jelent. 1999-ben 22 keruletből, 153 kollegatol kaptak valaszt. A gondozasuk alatt allo 142.679 (0–18 ev kozotti) gyermek 2,26±0,94%-at asztmaskent tartottak nyilvan (osszesen 3228-at). 2003-ban mar mind a 23 budapesti keruletből sikerult valaszhoz jutniuk. A 204 kollega altal ellatott 176.049 gyermek kozott minden eddiginel tobb (4712) az asztmaban szenvedő, ami a prevalencia 2,68±1,31%-ra tortenő emelkedeset jelenti. A novekedes uteme mind 1995 es 1999, mind 1999 es 2003 kozott szignifikans (p < 0.0001). Ez a szignifikans novekedes akkor is igazolhato, ha csak azt a 11 keruletet hasonlitjuk ossze a vizsgalt evekben, amelyekből mar 1995-ben is erkezett valasz. A mert legszennyező anyagok koncentracioja nem nőtt a vizsgalt evek alatt es a leginkabb allergizalo novenyek pollenszama sem emelkedett. Kovetkeztetesek: Joval tobb mint 100 ezer gyermek vizsgalati adata alapjan megallapithato, hogy 1995 es 2003 kozott az asztmas gyermekek aranya masfelszeresere nőtt Budapesten, mikozben a legszennyezettseg nem romlott es a pollenszam sem emelkedett. Introduction: According to the data of the Hungarian pulmonological network, the prevalence of asthma in the last 15 years has increased (almost linearly) in Hungary. In 2004 it was 1.8%. There are only a few data about the prevalence of childhood asthma. Aims: The aim of the authors was to measure the prevalence of bronchial asthma in childhood in Budapest in 1995, 1999 and 2003, using questionnaires directed to district pediatricians. Methods: There were only two questions in these questionnaires: how many children are in their districts, and how many are suffering from asthma? Besides of this survey the dust, CO, NO2 and SO2 concentrations in the air were measured on-line at 8 points in Budapest, while ozone level measurements were also made at 2 stations. The counts of pollen and of fungal elements in the air were calculated separately for Buda and for Pest. Results: In 1995, replies were received from 118 pediatricians in 11 districts, who were responsible for the supervision of 104 060 children, out of these 1.88±0.87% had been diagnosed as having asthma. In 1999 replies were sent by 153 physicians in 22 of the 23 districts, who had a total of 142 679 children under their care. These included 3228 asthmatics, i.e. a prevalence of 2.26±0.95%. In 2003 the authors received answers from all of the 23 districts of Budapest. The 204 pediatricians were responsible for the supervision of 176 049 children. The number of patients with the diagnosis of asthma was 4712 (corresponding for a prevalence of 2.68±1.3%). The increase between 1995 and 1999, and between 1999 and 2003 was highly significant (p < 0.0001). This significant increase was valid even when the authors analysed only those 11 districts, which answered already in 1995. The level of air pollution in Budapest did not deteriorate in the period in question, and the concentration of pollen grains of plants causing allergy did not increase compared to previous years. Conclusions: On the basis of the results of more than 100 thousand children, the authors conclude that between 1995 and 2003 the proportion of asthmatic children increased by 50% in Budapest, while the air pollution did not deteriorate and the pollen concentration from sensitizing plants did not increase.

A gyermekkori asztma prevalenciájának növekedése Budapesten 1995 és 2003 között a (változatlan) légszennyezettségi és pollen adatok tükrében@@@Increase in prevalence of childhood asthma in Budapest between 1995 and 2003: is there a connection with the air pollution data or the total pollen count?

INTRODUCTION According to the data of the Hungarian pulmonological network, the prevalence of asthma in the last 15 years has increased (almost linearly) in Hungary. In 2004 it was 1.8%. There are only a few data about the prevalence of childhood asthma. AIMS The aim of the authors was to measure the prevalence of bronchial asthma in childhood in Budapest in 1995, 1999 and 2003, using questionnaires directed to district pediatricians. METHODS There were only two questions in these questionnaires: how many children are in their districts, and how many are suffering from asthma? Besides of this survey the dust, CO, NO(2) and SO(2) concentrations in the air were measured on-line at 8 points in Budapest, while ozone level measurements were also made at 2 stations. The counts of pollen and of fungal elements in the air were calculated separately for Buda and for Pest. RESULTS In 1995, replies were received from 118 pediatricians in 11 districts, who were responsible for the supervision of 104,060 children, out of these 1.88+/-0.87% had been diagnosed as having asthma. In 1999 replies were sent by 153 physicians in 22 of the 23 districts, who had a total of 142,679 children under their care. These included 3228 asthmatics, i.e. a prevalence of 2.26+/-0.95%. In 2003 the authors received answers from all of the 23 districts of Budapest. The 204 pediatricians were responsible for the supervision of 176 049 children. The number of patients with the diagnosis of asthma was 4712 (corresponding for a prevalence of 2.68+/-1.3%). The increase between 1995 and 1999, and between 1999 and 2003 was highly significant (p < 0.0001). This significant increase was valid even when the authors analysed only those 11 districts, which answered already in 1995. The level of air pollution in Budapest did not deteriorate in the period in question, and the concentration of pollen grains of plants causing allergy did not increase compared to previous years. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of the results of more than 100 thousand children, the authors conclude that between 1995 and 2003 the proportion of asthmatic children increased by 50% in Budapest, while the air pollution did not deteriorate and the pollen concentration from sensitizing plants did not increase.Bevezetes: A magyarorszagi asztma prevalencia a legutobbi 15 evben egyenletesen nőtt, az Orszagos Koranyi TBC es Pulmonologiai Intezet nyilvantartasa szerint 2004-ben elerte az 1,8%-ot. A gyermekkori asztma hazai gyakorisagara vonatkozoan csak szorvanyos felmeresekből szarmazo adatok vannak. Celok: Szerzők celul tűztek ki a teruletet ellato gyermekorvosoktol nyert adatok segitsegevel a budapesti gyermekek asztma prevalenciajanak a felmereset 1995-ben, 1999-ben es 2003-ban. Megkisereltek az esetleges valtozas okat is felderiteni. Modszerek: Ennek erdekeben kerdőiveket kuldtek a 23 keruleti szakfelugyelő gyermekgyogyasz főorvosnak, melyet ők a teruletet ellato kollegaknak tovabbitottak. Ebben csupan azt kerdeztek, hany gyermek tartozik a korzetukbe es kozuluk hanyrol tudjak biztosan, hogy asztmaban szenved. Emellett Budapest 8 pontjan folyamatosan mertek a levegő CO, NO2, SO2, O3 es szallo por koncentraciojat, valamint kulon Pesten es Budan a pollenszamot. Eredmenyek: 1995-ben 11 keruletből 108 gyermekorvos valaszolt. Az altaluk kezelt 104.060 gyermek kozul 1962-ről tudtak, hogy asztmaban szenved, ami 1,88±0,87%-os prevalenciat jelent. 1999-ben 22 keruletből, 153 kollegatol kaptak valaszt. A gondozasuk alatt allo 142.679 (0–18 ev kozotti) gyermek 2,26±0,94%-at asztmaskent tartottak nyilvan (osszesen 3228-at). 2003-ban mar mind a 23 budapesti keruletből sikerult valaszhoz jutniuk. A 204 kollega altal ellatott 176.049 gyermek kozott minden eddiginel tobb (4712) az asztmaban szenvedő, ami a prevalencia 2,68±1,31%-ra tortenő emelkedeset jelenti. A novekedes uteme mind 1995 es 1999, mind 1999 es 2003 kozott szignifikans (p < 0.0001). Ez a szignifikans novekedes akkor is igazolhato, ha csak azt a 11 keruletet hasonlitjuk ossze a vizsgalt evekben, amelyekből mar 1995-ben is erkezett valasz. A mert legszennyező anyagok koncentracioja nem nőtt a vizsgalt evek alatt es a leginkabb allergizalo novenyek pollenszama sem emelkedett. Kovetkeztetesek: Joval tobb mint 100 ezer gyermek vizsgalati adata alapjan megallapithato, hogy 1995 es 2003 kozott az asztmas gyermekek aranya masfelszeresere nőtt Budapesten, mikozben a legszennyezettseg nem romlott es a pollenszam sem emelkedett. Introduction: According to the data of the Hungarian pulmonological network, the prevalence of asthma in the last 15 years has increased (almost linearly) in Hungary. In 2004 it was 1.8%. There are only a few data about the prevalence of childhood asthma. Aims: The aim of the authors was to measure the prevalence of bronchial asthma in childhood in Budapest in 1995, 1999 and 2003, using questionnaires directed to district pediatricians. Methods: There were only two questions in these questionnaires: how many children are in their districts, and how many are suffering from asthma? Besides of this survey the dust, CO, NO2 and SO2 concentrations in the air were measured on-line at 8 points in Budapest, while ozone level measurements were also made at 2 stations. The counts of pollen and of fungal elements in the air were calculated separately for Buda and for Pest. Results: In 1995, replies were received from 118 pediatricians in 11 districts, who were responsible for the supervision of 104 060 children, out of these 1.88±0.87% had been diagnosed as having asthma. In 1999 replies were sent by 153 physicians in 22 of the 23 districts, who had a total of 142 679 children under their care. These included 3228 asthmatics, i.e. a prevalence of 2.26±0.95%. In 2003 the authors received answers from all of the 23 districts of Budapest. The 204 pediatricians were responsible for the supervision of 176 049 children. The number of patients with the diagnosis of asthma was 4712 (corresponding for a prevalence of 2.68±1.3%). The increase between 1995 and 1999, and between 1999 and 2003 was highly significant (p < 0.0001). This significant increase was valid even when the authors analysed only those 11 districts, which answered already in 1995. The level of air pollution in Budapest did not deteriorate in the period in question, and the concentration of pollen grains of plants causing allergy did not increase compared to previous years. Conclusions: On the basis of the results of more than 100 thousand children, the authors conclude that between 1995 and 2003 the proportion of asthmatic children increased by 50% in Budapest, while the air pollution did not deteriorate and the pollen concentration from sensitizing plants did not increase.