Gesundheitliche Effekte der Feinstaubbelastung - aktueller wissenschaftlicher Kenntnisstand Health Effects of Particulate Matter Exposure: Current Scientific Knowledge

Introduction: Air quality is not only important for respiratory health but it also influences the homeostasis of the whole human organism. In the past years numerous violations of European Union particulate matter thresholds have been recorded. Methods: The present study is a selective litera- ture analysis encompassing the epidemiologyand pathophysiological effects of particulate matter. Results: Epidemiological studies point to an as- sociation between chronic particulate matter ex- posure and mortality. The most prominent effects on the human body are present in subjects with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions. Howe- ver, the effects of air pollutants need to be exami- ned critically and the plausibility of thresholds should be evaluated in detail. Discussion: The negative influences of chronic particulate matter exposure have been proven by a multitude of epidemiological and experimental studies. From the viewpoint of primary preventi- on, air quality plays a crucial role. This encompas- ses both the outdoor compartment with particu- late matter and other pollutants and the indoor compartment with tobacco smoke.