Abstract In past disasters, marked increases in the frequencies of common respiratory
diseases, such as community-acquired pneumonia, and the exacerbation of
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma were observed. The
temporary deterioration of the health status of the general public due to problems
with infrastructure and health management systems was probably responsible for
these increases. On the other hand, no significant increases in the incidence rates of
conditions caused by damage to the peripheral respiratory system or asbestosis have
been reported in large populations that experienced disasters.