HEALTH EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO AIR POLLUTION: AN OVERVIEW OF MAJOR RESPIRATORY AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES AND DIABETES

A large number of studies has provided convincing evidence of adverse effects of exposure to outdoor air pollution on human health, and have served as a basis for current USA and EU Air Quality Standards and limit values. Still, new knowledge is emerging, expanding our understanding of vast effects of exposure to air pollution on human health of this ubiquitous exposure affecting millions of people in urban settings. This paper focuses on the studies of health effects of long-term (chronic) exposures to air pollution, and includes major chronic and acute diseases in adults and especially the elderly, which will present an increasing public health burden, due to improving longevity and projected increasing numbers of elderly. This paper gives an overview of the most relevant and latest literature presented by different health outcomes: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.