title: Particulate air pollution and impaired lung function.
abstract: Air pollution is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world, particularly in individuals with existing lung disease. Of the most common air pollutants, particulate matter (PM) is associated with an increased risk of exacerbations and respiratory symptoms in individuals with existing lung disease, and to a lesser extent, in those without known respiratory issues. The majority of published research has focused on the effects of PM exposures on symptoms and health care utilization. Fewer studies focus on the impact of PM on objective measurements of pulmonary function. This review will focus on the effects of PM exposure on objective measurements of lung function in both healthy individuals and those with existing lung disease.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21224-6801, USA.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Paulin
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21224-6801, USA.
authors.forename: Nadia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hansel
keywords: Air pollution; COPD; Lung function; Particulate matter; asthma; lung development