AAAR 33rd Annual Conference
October 20 - October 24, 2014
Rosen Shingle Creek
Orlando, Florida, USA
Abstract View
Fine Particulate Air Pollution and Human Health: Science, Public Policy, and Controversy
C. ARDEN POPE, Brigham Young University
Abstract Number: 470 Working Group: Invited by Conference Chair
Abstract There is increasingly compelling scientific evidence that breathing fine particulate air pollution contributes to human morbidity and mortality. Epidemiologic evidence suggests that short-term exposure exacerbates existing pulmonary and cardiovascular disease and increases the risk of becoming symptomatic, requiring medical attention, or even dying. Long-term repeated exposures increase the risk of chronic pulmonary and cardiovascular disease. There appears to be multiple mechanistic pathways that link exposure with adverse health outcomes including, pulmonary/systemic oxidative stress and inflammation, enhanced initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, and altered cardiac autonomic function. A recent integrated study of factors that contribute to burden of disease suggest that exposure to fine particulate air pollution contributes substantially to global burden of disease, especially in much of the developing world. There is also evidence that public policy efforts to reduce fine particulate matter air pollution can be successful, can improve air quality, and can contribute to enhanced human health. Pollution abatement efforts, however, can also be costly, challenging and controversial. This presentation will focus on the air pollution health science that motivates the public policy and will briefly discuss the most recent controversy regarding the use of “secret science” to inform public policy.