TABLE 3.

Examples of respiratory clinical effects associated with air pollution

Increased respiratory mortality

Increased incidence of malignancies of the respiratory tract

Increased incidence, prevalence or frequency of exacerbations in chronic pulmonary disease: asthma, COPD and cystic fibrosis

Increased incidence or severity of upper and lower respiratory tract infections

Increased respiratory symptoms that affect quality of life: cough, phlegm, wheezing, dyspnoea and nasal drainage

Increased incidence of preterm birth, low birthweight or growth restriction leading to adverse respiratory outcomes

Reduced growth of lung function in children

Transient (hours) reductions in lung function associated with symptoms in healthy individuals

Transient (hours) reductions in lung function without symptoms in especially susceptible individuals (e.g. children with severe asthma)

Persistent or chronic (weeks, months or years) reductions in lung function

COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.