Impact of air quality on lung health: myth or reality?

Abstract

Abstract:The respiratory system is a primary target of the harmful effects of key air pollutants of health concern. Several air pollutants have been implicated including particulate matter (PM), ozone (O 3 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It is well known that episodes of exposure to high concentrations of outdoor air pollutants can cause acute respiratory exacerbations. However, there is now increasing evidence suggesting that significant exposure to outdoor air pollutants may be also associated with development of lung cancer and with incident cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory allergies. Here we provide a critical appraisal of the impact of air pollution on respiratory diseases and discuss strategies for preventing excessive exposure to harmful air pollutants. However, the evidence that significant exposure to air pollutants is causing COPD, lung cancer or respiratory allergies is not conclusive and therefore regulators must be aware that execution of clean air policies may not be that cost-effective and may lead to unintended consequences. Addressing the lung health effects of air pollution must be considered work in progress. Keywords

Association of air pollutants, airborne occupational exposures, and chronic rhinosinusitis disease severity

“…Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is characterized by a complex terrain of hills and river valleys, episodic traffic congestion, and a few large remaining steel mills (Edgar Thomson Steel Works) and coke plants (Clairton Coke Works) located southeast of Pittsburgh, all contributing to locoregional variability in pollutant concentrations, including PM 2.5 and BC . The pulmonary effects of air pollutant exposure have been studied in more detail, demonstrating an association between PM exposure and lower airway diseases, including asthma and COPD . Exposure to PM 2.5 has been shown to affect lung development and function, leading to an increased risk of developing asthma and disease exacerbations later in life .…”

“…19 The pulmonary effects of air pollutant exposure have been studied in more detail, demonstrating an association between PM exposure and lower airway diseases, including asthma and COPD. [5][6][7] Exposure to PM 2.5 has been shown to affect lung development and function, leading to an increased risk of developing asthma and disease exacerbations later in life. 21 Mady et al showed that PM 2.5 was significantly associated with incidence of FESS with a 1.89-fold increased risk in need for FESS in the CRSsNP population with each unit increase in PM 2.5 (p = 0.015).…”

“…The health hazards of air pollutants on lower respiratory inflammation have also been demonstrated, and several studies have shown a relationship between PM exposure and asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and decreased pulmonary function . Moreover, it has been established that respiratory symptoms and asthma may be caused by occupational factors, and inhaled occupational exposures have been related to adult‐onset asthma and work‐aggravated asthma; the population‐attributable fraction has been estimated to be 15% …”

“…4 The health hazards of air pollutants on lower respiratory inflammation have also been demonstrated, and several studies have shown a relationship between PM exposure and asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and decreased pulmonary function. [5][6][7] Moreover, it has been established that respiratory symptoms and asthma may be caused by occupational factors, and inhaled occupational exposures have been related to adult-onset asthma and work-aggravated asthma; the populationattributable fraction has been estimated to be 15%. 8,9 It is important to note that, along with PM 2.5 and BC, individuals may be exposed to a range of individual or combined airborne pollutants including vapors, gases, dusts, fumes, fibers, and mists (VGDFFiM) at varying daily intensities.…”

Participatory Air Monitoring in the Midst of Uncertainty: Residents’ Experiences with the Speck Sensor

“…PM2.5 is associated with acute and long-term health impacts to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and is linked to an increase in hospital visits, lung cancer, asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dysrhythmia, low birth weight, and pre-term birth (DeFranco et al 2016;Stieb et al 2016;Marino et al 2015;Raaschou-Nielsen et al 2013;Dominici et al 2006;Nel 2005;EPA 2003). Exposure is especially harmful to children, the elderly, and individuals with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions (Brown et al 2014;WHO 2013).…”