Acute effects of air pollution on health: evidence from epidemiological studies

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the evidence of acute health effects from exposure to particulate matter and ozone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A meta-analysis was performed using random effect models, to summarize the health effects of pollution, published in major international and Mexican journals up to June 2000. RESULTS: Results were given as percent increase in ten units of PM10 (microgram/m3) and ozone (ppb). PM10 was found to have an effect on mortality (0.96%), hospital admissions (1.39%), emergency room visits (3.11%), respiratory symptoms (7.72%), pulmonary forced vital capacity (1.42%), and restricted activity days (7.74%). Ozone effects were equally significant. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show the great impact that air pollutants may have on the health of populations living in large metropolis.