Review of Epidemiological Evidence of Health Effects of Particulate Air Pollution

Abstract

This article summarizes epidemiological evidence of health effects of particulate air pollution. Acute exposure to elevated levels of particulate air pollution has been associated with increased cardiopulmonary mortality, increased hospitalization for respiratory disease, exacerbation of asthma, increased incidence and duration of respiratory symptoms, declines in lung function, and restricted activity. Small deficits in lung function, higher risk of chronic respiratory disease and symptoms, and increased mortality have also been associated with chronic exposure to respirable particulate air pollution. Health effects have been observed at levels common to many U.S. cites and at levels below current US. National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Although the biological mechanisms involved are poorly understood, recent epidemiological evidence supports the hypothesis that respirable particulate air pollution is an important risk factor for respiratory disease and cardiopulmonary mortality.