Particulate matter air pollution exposure and COPD

Particulate matter air pollution exposure: role in the development and exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (11 page pdf, Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2009; 4: 233–243)

Particulate matter (PM) found in human lung tissue stained with H&E



Key Quotes:

"This review focuses on the adverse effects of exposure to ambient PM air pollution on the exacerbation, progression, and development of COPD."

"COPD is a worldwide public health problem with significant morbidity and mortality and has been projected to be the 3rd leading cause of total mortality and the 5th leading cause of disability by 2020."

"COPD affects 5% to 19% of the adult population above 40 years of age. Its prevalence has risen by 41% since 1982, and its age-adjusted mortality rate has increased by over 100% between 1970 and 2002"

"Among all the lung diseases, COPD is the most highly correlated with air pollution exposure and has been linked to rapid global urbanization"

"In addition to morbidity, epidemiological evidence points to an increased mortality rate among COPD patients immediately following exposure to air pollution particles."

"Components of air pollution, such as, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and PM smaller than or equal to 10 um in aerodynamic diameter (PM10), have been all been implicated to increase respiratory mortality in COPD patients."

"The predominant source of PM in the lungs of COPD patients is either PM inhaled from cigarette smoke or ambient air pollution particles from other sources: both have been associated with the development and progression of COPD."

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