title: Controlled clinical studies of air pollutant exposure: evaluating scientific information in relation to air quality standards.
abstract: In controlled clinical studies, volunteers are deliberately exposed to specific air pollutants under conditions simulating ambient exposures, and health-related responses are documented. Studies of the health risks of air pollution need to be scientifically rigorous and clearly relevant to "real-world" pollution exposures. Their results should be confirmed by independent replication if they are to be used as a basis for air quality regulations. Well-designed controlled clinical studies readily meet these criteria, and complement the other methods of scientific risk assessment--animal toxicology and epidemiology. Clinical studies, toxicology, and epidemiology all have provided important information about air pollution health effects. A better understanding of the interrelationships of findings from these different fields is needed.
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000403:Airway Resistance; D001249:Asthma / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D012015:Reference Standards; D012106:Research; D012306:Risk; D013458:Sulfur Dioxide / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D013458:Sulfur Dioxide