Air pollution and health.
OBJECTIVE
To review the effects of air pollution on health, with special reference to data obtained locally in Hong Kong.


METHODS
Medline literature search (1960-1999), websites of the World Health Organization and Environmental Protection Department, Hong Kong, and a report from the Sub-Working Group on the Review of Hong Kong's Air Quality Objectives, 1999.


METHODS
Key words for the literature search were 'air pollution' and 'health'.


METHODS
The author reviewed relevant information and data.


RESULTS
In many parts of the world and in Hong Kong, air pollution is associated with increased mortality and morbidity rates, as reflected by increased hospital admissions and doctor visits, not only for respiratory illnesses but also for cardiovascular illnesses. Some studies have found that air pollution is also associated with an increase in respiratory symptoms in lower lung function in children. In Hong Kong, air pollution is mostly because of traffic emissions. During the past decade, the annual mean levels of respirable suspended particulates and oxides of nitrogen and ozone have increased and exceeded the air quality objectives set by the Environmental Protection Department of Hong Kong.


CONCLUSIONS
The medical profession should be concerned about the health effects of air pollution and should call for action to reduce the current levels of air pollution to an acceptable level.
Chan-Yeung
M N
MN
Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006304:Health Status; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014944:World Health Organization
D000393:Air Pollutants