Does air pollution contribute to travelers’ illness and deaths?—evidence from a case report and need for further studies

Abstract

Annual increases in global travel have resulted in more individuals being exposed to varying environmental conditions abroad and, thereby, subject to air pollution related health risks. Individuals who travel abroad may be exposed to varying levels of air pollution within a matter of hours. We wish to consider whether exposure to air pollution could be a significant contributor to the risk of illness and death in travelers, particularly those who travel to highly polluted cities. We report the findings of a study in which the peak expiratory flow (PEF) of a traveler decreased in Shanghai relative to baseline in New York City; the decline in PEF correlated to concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5). We discuss the health implication of these results on global travel.

Tourism and Air Quality: Factors Influencing the Role of Air Quality in Visitors Travel Planning

“…The results also point to a major concern regarding the impacts on health caused by air pollution. These perceptions are consistent with the health risks that travellers might experience when facing AQ issues (Becken et al, 2017;Davis et al, 2008;Matzarakis, 2006;Vilcassim et al, 2018). Additionally, although respondents reveal positive environmentally friendly daily behaviours, differences were found between the dimensions of these behaviours.…”

“…Nevertheless, since the potential negative impacts of air pollution on individual's health may intensify existent symptoms or even cause new health problems (Sato et al, 2016;Sun et al, 2019), this should be a matter of concern for potential tourists, at least for those suffering from insufficient health conditions. Hence, it is already proven that tourists visiting places with higher levels of air pollutants are at greater risk of suffering from respiratory symptoms (Sato et al, 2016;Vilcassim et al, 2018;Wu et al, 2014).…”

“…Health is a matter of concern when people engage in tourism trips and may decrease their propensity to travel to specific destinations (Sönmez & Graefe, 1998). In this context, air pollution represents a risk for travellers' health when travelling to destinations with bad AQ conditions (Becken et al, 2017;Davis et al, 2008;Matzarakis, 2006;Vilcassim et al, 2018), and may be extremely prejudicial for those who already suffer from respiratory problems (Guindi et al, 2018;Zajchowski, Tysor, et al, 2019). Vilcassim et al (2018) reported a decrease in normal lung function and respiratory symptoms as a consequence of exposure to high levels of air pollution.…”

“…In this context, air pollution represents a risk for travellers' health when travelling to destinations with bad AQ conditions (Becken et al, 2017;Davis et al, 2008;Matzarakis, 2006;Vilcassim et al, 2018), and may be extremely prejudicial for those who already suffer from respiratory problems (Guindi et al, 2018;Zajchowski, Tysor, et al, 2019). Vilcassim et al (2018) reported a decrease in normal lung function and respiratory symptoms as a consequence of exposure to high levels of air pollution. Even when exposed during a short period, the negative effects of air pollution are felt.…”

Clearing the Air: a Global Health Perspective on Air Pollution

“…2 Air pollution has traditionally been a neglected subject in leading travel medicine and global health journals, 3,4 although a greater focus has recently emerged in the travel medicine literature. [5][6][7] This perspective article approaches air pollution using a global health lens and challenges the medical community to become champions of environmental sustainability.…”