Health status of population living in high ecological risk areas in Poland. II. Specific mortality rates in the period 1988-1993

The health status of the population living in high ecological risk areas in Poland is described at the level of specific mortality rates due to chosen diseases. The analysis of temporal trends over the period 1988-1993 is included. Specific mortality rates standardized according to 1991 demographic structures is compared between HERAs and areas outside HERAs. The study indicates higher mortality in the HERAs due to "civiliza- tion-related" diseases and diseases attributable to the environmental degradation.