Effect of pollutants upon patients with respiratory allergies

Epidemiological studies have revealed an association between pollution and allergic respiratory diseases. The main pollutants in this sense are nitric oxide, ozone, and particulate matter. The present review on one hand addresses the chemical characteristics of each of these three groups of pollutants and their main sources, and on the other examines their effects upon allergic respiratory diseases--placing special emphasis on the effects of diesel exhaust particles. For each of the pollutants, the underlying mechanisms capable of influencing allergic respiratory diseases are commented. Lastly, an evaluation is made of some of the genetic aspects related to the response to pollutants

Interference of a short-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide with allergic airways responses to allergenic challenges in BALB/c mice.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) is a common indoor and outdoor air pollutant whose role in the induction of asthma is unclear. We investigated the effects of NO(2) on the development of asthma-like responses to allergenic challenge in BALB/c mice. Ovalbumin (OVA)-immunized mice were intranasally challenged with OVA or saline solution just before starting a 3 h exposure to 5 or 20 ppm NO(2) or air. Twenty parts per million of NO(2) induced a significant increase of bronchopulmonary hyperreactivity in OVA-challenged mice and of permeability according to the fibronectin content of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) 24 h after exposure, as compared with air or 5 ppm NO(2). Eosinophilia (cell counts in the BALF and eosinophil peroxidase of lung tissue) was detected at 24 and 72 h with similar levels for air and 20 ppm NO(2), whereas a marked reduction was unexpectedly observed for 5 ppm NO(2). At 24 h, interleukin-5 in the BALF was markedly reduced at 5 ppm compared with 20 ppm NO(2) and was also more intense for 20 ppm NO(2) than for the air group. In contrast to specific IgG1 titers, anti-OVA IgE titers and interleukin-4 in the BALF were not affected by NO(2) exposure. Irrespective of the concentration of NO(2), OVA-challenged mice did not develop late mucosal metaplasia compared with those exposed to OVA-air. These results indicate that a short exposure to NO(2) can exacerbate or inhibit some features of the development of allergic disease in mice and may depend on the concentration of pollutant

Air quality as a public health problem in Hong Kong: measuring the risks

Hong Kong has an air quality problem with excess levels of such air pollutants as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates and ozone, occurring from time to time throughout the year. This paper outlines the sources of the major pollutants in Hong Kong, both natural and manmade, and examines the health risks to the Hong Kong population from exposure to such pollutants. The principle man-made sources of these pollutants are mainly diesel vehicle emissions, and high sulphur content fuels burnt in industrial furnaces and power plants. There is concern over levels of these pollutants in ambient air because of their relationship with respiratory health problems, which range from local irritation of the respiratory tract to carcinogenesis. Studies in Hong Kong also demonstrate the importance of environmental tobacco smoke in the home as a cause of children's respiratory health problems, in addition to poor air quality. Epidemiological studies are useful tools for identifying risks and for evaluating the effectiveness of preventive measures, including legislation. In particular we need to identify health risks to young children and the preventable fraction likely to be achieved from different interventions. For optimum effectiveness, a multisectoral approach, developed between regulatory agencies, pubic health authorities and research groups, is needed to contribute to the overall respiratory health of the community.published_or_final_versio

The INDEX Project - Critical Appraisal of the Setting and Implementation of Indoor Exposure Limits in the EU

The INDEX project (Critical Appraisal of the Setting and Implementation of Indoor Exposure Limits in the EU), coordinated by the EU/JRC and funded by DG SANCO, has been finished in December 2004. The project was carried out in collaboration with a Steering Committee of leading European experts in the area of indoor air pollution. Scope of INDEX was to identify priorities and to assess the needs for a Community strategy and action plan in the area of indoor air pollution. The key issues that have been addressed within the project are: - the setting up of a list of compounds to be measured and regulated in indoor environments with priority, on the basis of health impact criteria - to provide suggestions and recommendations on potential exposure limits for these compounds and - to provide information on links with existing knowledge, ongoing studies, legislation etc. at world scale. Suggestions and recommendations on potential exposure limits or other exposure control actions were defined for five prioritised compounds; formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, benzene, and naphthalene.JRC.I.5-Physical and chemical exposure

Air quality in and around traffic tunnels

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), in collaboration with the Department of Health and Ageing, commissioned a systematic review of national and international literature and practices in relation to air quality in and around traffic tunnels. This review formed the basis of a national NHMRC workshop attended by experts from the health and environment sectors, as well as representatives of government agencies and consumer groups. The outcomes of the review, workshop and subsequent submissions were analysed to inform the development of the Air Quality in and around Traffic Tunnels - Final Report. This Report evaluates the factors associated with poor air quality in and around traffic tunnels and the subsequent health effects resulting from exposure to air pollution