Traffic, outdoor air pollution, and asthma.
The epidemiology of asthma and outdoor air pollution has shown that respiratory health effects can vary in relation to different emission sources, types of pollutants, underlying nutritional status, medication use, and genetic polymorphisms. Using sophisticated exposure assessment methods in conjunction with clinical tests and biomarkers that provide mechanistic information, the study of outdoor epidemiology and asthma has evolved into a complex multidisciplinary field. This article presents an overview of the mechanisms by which outdoor air pollution and traffic-related emissions lead to changes in respiratory health and lung function in subjects with asthma.
Emory University School of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Clinical Research Center, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA. fholgui@emory.edu
Fernando
F
Holguin
D000397:Air Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology; D001335:Vehicle Emissions
D001335:Vehicle Emissions