Urban air pollution and respiratory infections

Abstract

Public awareness of the impact of air quality on health is increasing worldwide. Indoor and outdoor air pollutants impair children's growing lungs, and increase the risk of respiratory infections. In many cities, children face indoor air pollution from fuels used for cooking and heating, as well as outdoor pollution from vehicle exhausts. Research identifies at-risk groups and seeks to establish biological plausibility for the associations already observed; and looks towards identifying the harmful pollutants that are responsible for respiratory morbidity and mortality. These findings may then serve to influence public debate and future policy at national and international level to improve air quality in cities, and improve children's health.

Keywords: Air pollution; Diesel exhaust particles; Infection; Particulate matter.