A matched case‐control study was undertaken to assess the relative risk associated with known and suspected risk factors of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin among patients in the Montreal region. Three hundred eleven cases histologically diagnosed in 1977 and 1978 in 12 hospitals and meeting strict definition criteria were identified. With the exception of six cases, two controls were matched to each case for sex, age, and hospital of diagnosis. A logistic regression analysis was done. The known host risk factors (eye and hair color, complexion, descent) and nonoccupational sunlight exposure were found to be operative in the Montreal region. After adjusting for these factors, occupational sunlight exposure appeared to be a risk factor. An association was then observed between the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and tobacco smoking and the use of a sunlamp. Relative risks associated with the above‐mentioned factors were estimated.

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A health study was conducted in three communities in the greater Montreal region; the first two were characterized by relatively high particulate and sulfur dioxide levels, respectively, and a third community without major industrial pollution. In each community, 300 men and women 45 to 64 yr of age were studied. Residents of the two more polluted communities exhibited a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms and mean lung function evaluated by various tests was lower than in residents of the less polluted community. When intercity differences in age and smoking were accounted for, no statistically significant intercity differences in health status could be shown. Given the limitations of this study, the results provide no evidence to suggest that current Canadian standards for sulfur dioxide adequately protect human health as measured by the indices used in the study, for adults in the age range of 45 to 64 yr.