Small area analysis: Creating an area base for environmental monitoring and epidemiological analysis

Abstract

The advent of certain tools over the past few years has expanded the possibilities for small area analysis enormously. The postcode system, the postcode directory and census data for small areas all make an essential contribution. This paper identifies the area bases which have been used in a number of recent enquiries into the possible adverse effects of pollution, and suggests that the tools available offer the means for creation of areas which are relevant to epidemiological investigation. Various problems in relating the postcode to the postcode directory are identified and suggestions are made for dealing with some of these. Proposals to develop the geographic base for the 1991 Census will go a long way towards overcoming some of the deficiencies and difficulties which presently exist in the data base.