Du X, Chen R, Kan H. Challenges of Air Pollution and Health in East Asia.
Curr Environ Health Rep 2024;
11:89-101. [PMID:
38321318 DOI:
10.1007/s40572-024-00433-y]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Air pollution has been a serious environmental and public health issue worldwide, particularly in Asian countries. There have been significant increases in epidemiological studies on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone pollution in East Asia, and an in-depth review of epidemiological evidence is urgent. Thus, we carried out a systematic review of the epidemiological research on PM2.5 and ozone pollution in East Asia released in recent years.
RECENT FINDINGS
Recent studies have indicated that PM2.5 and ozone are the most detrimental air pollutants to human health, resulting in substantial disease burdens for Asian populations. Many epidemiological studies of PM2.5 and ozone have been mainly performed in three East Asian countries (China, Japan, and South Korea). We derived the following summary findings: (1) both short-term and long-term exposure to PM2.5 and ozone could raise the risks of mortality and morbidity, emphasizing the need for continuing improvements in air quality in East Asia; (2) the long-term associations between PM2.5 and mortality in East Asia are comparable to those observed in Europe and North America, whereas the short-term associations are relatively smaller in magnitude; and (3) further cohort and intervention studies are required to yield robust and precise evidence that can promote evidence-based policymaking in East Asia. This updated review presented an outline of the health impacts of PM2.5 and ozone in East Asia, which may be beneficial for the development of future regulatory policies and standards, as well as for designing subsequent investigations.
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