EFFECTS OF ATMOSPHERIC-POLLUTION ON HUMAN HEALTH

Most air pollutants do not lead to specific diseases. Depending on the pollutant, the concentration and the duration of exposure, some organ s are more affected than others. The most frequent disorders are those caused by irritant gases and particulates on the mucous membranes and respiratory organs. The consequences are eye, nose and throat inflamm ations, diminished lung function, increased susceptability to respirat ory infection and a higher incidence of chronic bronchitis. These diso rders and diseases are, of course, influenced by other factors as well , such as immune deficiency, allergies, occupational exposure to pollu tants, and particularly smoking. The effects of air pollutants are, th erefore, multifactorially conditioned and nonspecific disorders are pl aced in the foreground. Evidence for an association of air pollution w ith adverse effects on human health is drawn from three sources: anima l experiments, experimental human exposures, and epidemiologic studies of exposed human populations. The burden of atmospheric pollution mus t be reduced to protect human health by an adequate safety margin. In particular, the increased sensitivity of sick and aged people as well as children should be taken into account. In defining the maximum emmi ssion levels, preventive aspects should have priority so as to keep th e risk of damage to health and the harmful influences on the environme nt to a minimum.