Korean J Prev Med.  2001 May;34(2):103-108.

Health Effects of Ambient Particulate Pollutants

• Hong YC
• Cho SH

Abstract

Recently, numerous studies have focused on the health effects of ambient particulate pollutants. Compared to earlier studies that focused on severe air pollution episodes, recent studies are more relevant to understanding the health effects of air pollution at levels common to contemporary cities. We reviewed recent epidemiologic studies that evaluated health effects of particulate air pollution and concluded that respirable particulate air pollution is an important contributing factor to acute mortality and morbidity. We observed increased respiratory and cardiovascular deaths, increased hospital admissions and visits, and decreased lung function. We also observed increased mortality and morbidity in a Korean population. Theses health effects were observed at levels below the current Ambient Air Quality Standard for particulate air pollution.

Keyword

Particulate air pollution; Mortality; Morbidity

MeSH Terms

Air Pollution
Epidemiologic Studies
Lung
Mortality