[Twelve year FEV1 changes and smoking habits among 556 workers in the Paris-area (author's transl)]. / Evolution du VEMS en 12 ans et tabagisme chez 556 travailleurs de la région parisienne.

The aim of the study was to analyse the effects of smoking, in particular to show its causal role in the development of airflow obstruction, and to look at changes in smoking habits. The study was conducted among 556 men, aged 30 to 54 in 1960, surveyed twice, in 1960 and 1972. The hypothesis of tobacco as a causal factor of airflow obstruction is strengthened, following this study, by three results: 1) FEV1 slope was related to tobacco consumption, even after adjustement for FEV1 level (42 ml/yrs for non-smokers, 51 ml/yrs for heavy smokers); 2) FEV1 loss with age increased with the amount of tobacco consumption: one pack a day smoked for 25 years was equivalent to an aging of 5 years; 3) FEV1 loss decelerated if the subject gave up smoking, thus preventing any further risk. What appeared to be a spontaneous regulation in smoking habits was observed. The men who stopped smoking were those with low respiratory status. In this population, men who were ex-smokers in 1960 and maintained this status until 1972 had a FEV1 slope similar to that of the non-smokers.

[Chronic obstructive bronchitis: definitions, risk factors and prevention (author's transl)]. / Bronchite chronique obstructive: définitions, facteurs de risque et prévention

Chronic obstructive bronchitis is defined as persistent diffuse airways obstruction frequently associated with chronic expectoration. This disease is particularly disabling and its medico-social burden implies that measures be taken. Risk factors of chronic obstructive bronchitis can be classified according to their presently known importance: tobacco, professional exposure, air pollution, viral and bacterial respiratory infections, poor socio-economic and cultural conditions, upper and lower airways infections during childhood, other environmental factors, genetic factors. Prevention needs that research be developed, in particular for factors, as hereditary ones, relations between childhood and adult respiratory diseases and characteristics of the "susceptible smokers". Knowledge of risk factors previously quoted allows to propose public-health actions. Firstly, true preventive action of general nature: fight against tobacco consumption, reduce atmospheric pollution, improve work and life conditions. Secondly, in order to prevent the disabling state of chronic bronchitis, it would be necessary to take care of patients at the initial state. A control trial is proposed to determine the level of symptoms and of reduction of ventilatory values at which an action is needed and the best "preventive therapeutical" protocol to be applied to these patients.