Indoor and outdoor pollution

Air pollution is a well-established hazard to human health. Air quality is particularly important for subpopulations that are more susceptible (i.e. children, the elderly, subjects with cardiorespiratory diseases or those who are socioeconomically deprived) or at higher risk of specific exposures (workers exposed to inorganic dust, wood dust, fumes, gases and cleaning agents). Children are particularly vulnerable since they inhale a higher volume of air per body weight than adults, their lungs are growing, their immune system is incomplete and defence mechanisms are still evolving. Air pollution can affect the cells in the lung by damaging those that are most susceptible and, if the damaged cells are important in the development of new functional parts of the lung, the lung may not achieve its full growth and function as a child matures to adulthood. This can lead to enhanced susceptibility during adulthood to the effects of ageing and infections, as well as to pollutants. Air pollution has both short-term (peak exposures) and long-term adverse effects, which can involve not only the pulmonary system but also the cardiovascular system.