Effects of Air Pollution on Lung Health

Abstract

In Brief Both indoor and outdoor air pollution contribute to adverse effects on lung health in humans. In healthy subjects, outdoor air pollution is associated with lower lung function and linked to more respiratory symptoms. In addition, outdoor air pollution causes excess exacerbations, hospitalizations, and mortalities for subjects with pre-existing respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Indoor air pollution is associated with the development of COPD and lung cancer particularly among women. Pollutant exposure with resulting adverse respiratory effects is likely because of the harmful effects of pollutants on the respiratory epithelium. These harmful effects are modified by factors such as the genetic make-up and the age of the subjects. Improving ambient air pollution (either by government policy to reduce emissions or relocation to areas with less pollution) and decreasing indoor biomass combustion exposure by improving home ventilation appear to be effective interventions that could substantially benefit the lung function, respiratory symptoms, and prevent the development of respiratory diseases like COPD. More studies are needed to assess the cost-effectiveness of different public health policies and strategies in improving air quality for better lung health for the public. Both indoor and outdoor air pollution contribute to adverse effects on lung health in humans. In this article, we review the harmful effects of air pollution on lung health based on recent studies.