If health problems are thought to be associated with exposure to air pollution, should medical management be different?
In general, no. Medical management of the health condition should not change because it was associated with exposure to particulate matter. Prudent steps to reduce exposure to air pollution are appropriate. Advice to use air conditioners, to remain indoors, and to avoid increasing minute ventilation are appropriate. Will these exposures result in any long term adverse health consequences? Short duration high intensity exposures are more likely to result in short term effects than in long term effects. Studies that have associated exposure to elevated levels of particulate matter with long term health effects have generally had very long exposure periods, years of exposure for example. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, September 12, 2001, 2:10 AM (EDT) RESPIRATORY DISEASE SYMPTOMS FACT SHEET FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC Is there anything I can do to prevent exposure to the dust in the air? Yes, to reduce your exposure to the dust in the air, try to stay indoors as much as possible.
