What are the health effects of the main forms of air pollution?
The UK Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) has quantified the health effects of the chemicals responsible for the majority of air pollution. Their findings are based on numerous studies of very large populations exposed over long periods to air pollution from the burning of fuel in vehicles and households, as well as in industry. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) This gas is a respiratory irritant, especially in people with asthma. Significant increases in the daily average SO2 concentration cause a small rise in deaths due to heart and chest problems and, in people over the age of 65 years , increases acute admissions for chest problems. There may also be long term effects on chest problems. There does not appear to be a threshold below which SO2 has no effect on health. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Large increases in levels of NO2 result in a small overall increase in deaths. Particulates Fine dust (particulates, PM2.5, PM10, etc) are more associated with health effects than co
