ACTA FAC MED NAISS 2008; 25 (3): 151-155

Review article

AIR POLLUTION AND COPD: SHORT-TERM HEALTH EFFECTS

Suzana Milutinovic
Dragana Nikic
Ljiljana Stosic
Aleksandra Stankovic


Public Health Institute Nis

  SUMMARY

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major and increasing global health problem. According to World Health Organization estimates, 80 million people in the world have severe COPD. It is predicted to become the third most common cause of death and the fifth most common cause of disability in the world by 2020. The health effects of air pollution have been subject to intense study in the recent years. These effects have been found in short-term studies, which relate day-to-day variations in air pollution and health, and long-term studies, which have followed cohorts of exposed individuals over time. Epidemiological studies on the short-term effects of air pollution have consistently shown that COPD patients are susceptible to the acute effects of air pollution, and that COPD explained an important part of the total number of deaths attributed to air pollution. Epidemiological research has identified more exacerbations during periods of increased pollution. Increases in black smoke particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide are associated with increases in respiratory symptoms, admissions for exacerbations, and COPD-associated mortality. Frequent exacerbations appear to be associated with worsening health outcomes, and efforts should focus on preventing these episodes or prompt effective treatment. Treatment options are limited and to estimate the potential public health benefit of reducing air pollution to below various thresholds is important.

Key words: air pollution, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, short-term effects