[Effects of air pollution on human health and their importance in Mexico City].
The impact of air pollution on human health is a complicated problem. In this review, we describe the main health effects of exposure to ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, lead and particulate matter. Geographical characteristics of the metropolitan area of Mexico City that favor pollutant persistence with adverse effects on the population are described; the use of the Indice Metropolitano de la Calidad del Aire (IMECA), current norms, and present programs to diminish this problem are discussed. Evidence shows that through these actions, air quality has improved. However, some pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter, still exceed the standard. To further improve air quality in the city, existing programs should continue and multidisciplinary research, both basic and applied, is required.
Vallejo
Maite
M
Departamento de Electrofisiología, División de Investigación Clínica, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, México, D.F.
Jáuregui-Renaud
Kathrine
K
Hermosillo
Antonio G
AG
Márquez
Manlio F
MF
Cárdenas
Manuel
M
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000009:adverse effects; D008800:Mexico; D009585:Nitrogen Dioxide / Q000009:adverse effects; D010126:Ozone / Q000009:adverse effects; D010316:Particle Size; D011634:Public Health / Q000639:trends; D013458:Sulfur Dioxide / Q000009:adverse effects
D000393:Air Pollutants; D013458:Sulfur Dioxide; D007854:Lead; D010126:Ozone; D002248:Carbon Monoxide; D009585:Nitrogen Dioxide