Health effects of particulate air pollution.
In the 1980's it was generally felt that particulate air pollution concentrations in the United States were not a hazard to the public health. However, in the early 1990's the application of econometric time-series studies and prospective cohort studies suggested increased mortality associated with acute (daily) and chronic (decades) exposures to particulate air pollution commonly observed in the developed world. The epidemiologic evidence was not supported by evidence of causal associations from other disciplines. Nevertheless, the EPA moved to tighten controls on fine particulate air pollution. The debate over the science was played out in public hearings and the courts. The experience provides lessons on the use of epidemiologic data in setting public policy.
Dockery
Douglas W
DW
Departments of Environmental Health and Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA. ddockery@hsph.harvard.edu
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality; D002423:Cause of Death; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D008452:Maximum Allowable Concentration; D010316:Particle Size; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis / Q000592:standards*; D011379:Prognosis; D011634:Public Health; D016019:Survival Analysis
D052638:Particulate Matter