Effets des particules atmosphériques sur la santé. Revue des études épidémiologiques

Exposure to airborne particulate matter has been associated with increased mortality and hospital admissions due to respiratory and cardiovascular disease in both short-term (relating day-to-day variations in air pollution and health) and long-term (following cohorts of exposed individuals over time) studies. Recent findings suggest that particulate air pollution has an adverse effect on fetal growth and duration of pregnancy, even at very low exposure levels: it is unclear whether a threshold concentration exists for particulate matter below which no health effects are likely. This systematic review evaluates the current level of epidemiologic evidence on the association between ambient particulate air pollution and health outcomes. Further research should be directed toward clarifying and quantifying these possible effects and generating testable hypotheses about plausible biological mechanisms.