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Air Pollution Exposure and Its Impact on Human Health

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 July 2026 | Viewed by 4503

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Dr. Nedim Durmus

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Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
Interests: asthma; lung cancer; pharmacology; diseases associated with the World Trade Center disaster (particularly chronic respiratory diseases and cancer)
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Dear Colleagues,

Air pollution remains one of the most significant environmental health risks worldwide, contributing to a range of acute and chronic diseases. Exposure to pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and ozone (O₃) has been linked to respiratory disorders, cardiovascular diseases, neurodevelopmental impacts, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, climate change is intensifying air pollution through rising temperatures, altering atmospheric chemistry, and increased frequency of wildfires, exacerbating its health effects.

With rapid urbanization, industrialization, excessive drug waste, and climate change-driven environmental changes, there is an urgent need for multidisciplinary research to understand the mechanisms, risks, and mitigation strategies associated with air pollution. This Special Issue aims to bring together the latest research on air pollution, climate change, and human health, including epidemiological studies, toxicological assessments, exposure science, and policy-driven interventions. By fostering collaboration between environmental scientists, public health experts, policymakers, and clinicians, this collection of articles will provide valuable insights into mitigating the adverse effects of air pollution and climate change while protecting public health.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Air.

Dr. Nedim Durmus
Guest Editor

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Keywords

air pollution
particulate matter (PM)
human health
respiratory diseases
cardiovascular diseases
environmental exposure
urban air quality
epidemiology
public health policy
pollution mitigation
climate–health interactions
wildfire smoke
extreme weather and air quality
drug pollution

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 1261 KB

Open AccessArticle

Restrictive Lung Function Patterns and Sex Differences in Primary School Children Exposed to PM2.5 in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand

by Pakaphorn Ngamsang, Anurak Wongta, Sawaeng Kawichai, Natthapol Kosashunhanan, Hataichanok Chuljerm, Wiritphon Khiaolaongam, Praporn Kijkuokool, Putita Jiraya, Puriwat Fakfum, Wason Parklak and Kanokwan Kulprachakarn

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(10), 1530; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22101530 - 6 Oct 2025

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Abstract

Northern Thailand experiences annual haze events with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exceeding standards, posing risks to schoolchildren. This cross-sectional study (Chiang Mai, 2024) evaluated respiratory impacts among primary school children aged 8–12 years. Daily mean PM2.5 concentrations were obtained from a single fixed-site monitoring station (36T) located within 2 km of the spirometry site. Among 93 children with acceptable spirometry, 52% exhibited restrictive, 18% obstructive, and 30% had normal function. After adjustment for BMI, males had significantly lower odds of any pulmonary abnormality than females (AOR = 0.084; 95% CI 0.017–0.417; p = 0.002). The mean FEV₁/FVC ratio was normal (86.30 ± 13.07%), whereas mean FVC, FEV₁, and PEF were significantly below predicted values, indicating a predominantly restrictive pattern. This predominance likely reflects cumulative exposure to biomass-burning related PM2.5 during the haze season, infiltration of outdoor PM2.5 into indoor environments alongside indoor sources, and the vulnerability of developing lungs in children’s factors that reduce lung volumes while largely preserving the FEV₁/FVC ratio. The exposure assessment provides pragmatic, proximity-based estimates but is limited by reliance on one station and one season, which may not capture spatial or temporal variability. These findings highlight sex-based susceptibility and support stronger air quality protections for children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Its Impact on Human Health)

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13 pages, 898 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Air Quality on Patient Mortality: A National Study

by Divya Periyakoil, Isabella Chu, Ndola Prata and Marie Diener-West

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(7), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22071123 - 16 Jul 2025

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Abstract

Introduction: Air pollution is a risk factor for a variety of cardiopulmonary diseases and is a contributing factor to cancer, diabetes, and cognitive impairment. The impact on mortality is not clearly elucidated. Objectives: The goal of this study is to determine the impact (if any) of air pollution on the 5-year mortality of patients in the American Family Cohort (AFC) dataset. Methods: The AFC dataset is derived from the American Board of Family Medicine PRIME Registry electronic health record data. It includes longitudinal information from 6.6 million unique patients from an estimated 800 primary care practices across 47 states, with 40% coming from rural areas. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index (AQI) measures were downloaded for the study period (2016–2022). Using the Python library pandas, the AFC and EPA datasets were merged with respect to date, time, and location. Cox Regression Models were performed on the merged dataset to determine the impact (if any) of air quality on patients’ five-year survival. In the model, AQI was handled as a time-independent (time-fixed) covariate. Results: The group with AQI > 50 had an adjusted hazard of death that was 4.02 times higher than the hazard of death in the group with AQI ≤ 50 (95% CI: 3.36, 4.82, p < 0.05). The hazard of death was 6.73 times higher in persons older than 80 years of age (95% CI: 5.47, 8.28; p < 0.05) compared to those younger than 80 years of age. Black/African American patients had a 4.27 times higher hazard of death (95%CI: 3.47, 5.26; p < 0.05) compared to other races. We also found that regional effects played a role in survival. Conclusions: Poor air quality was associated with a higher hazard of mortality, and this phenomenon was particularly pronounced in Black/African American patients and patients older than 80 years of age. Air pollution is an important social determinant of health. Public health initiatives that improve air quality are necessary to improve health outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Its Impact on Human Health)

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28 pages, 1660 KB

Open AccessReview

Air Pollutants in Puerto Rico: Key Pollutants and Carcinogenic Properties

by Devrim Kaya, Clara Santiago, Enrique Pernas, Sammy Truong, Greicha Martinez, Loyda B. Méndez and Yamixa Delgado

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(10), 1549; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22101549 - 11 Oct 2025

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Abstract

Air pollutants pose a growing public health concern in Puerto Rico (PR), particularly from rapid industrialization, military activities, environmental changes and natural disasters. A total of 193 pollutants, comprising the 187 hazardous air pollutants and the 6 criteria air pollutants—including particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOC), and heavy metals—coincide with rising respiratory disease rates (e.g., lung cancer) documented in national and regional health registries. This study aimed to review major air pollutants in PR, their molecular carcinogenic mechanisms (mostly focused on respiratory-related cancers), and the geographic areas impacted significantly. We conducted an extensive literature search utilizing peer-reviewed scientific articles (PubMed and Web of Science), governmental reports (EPA, WHO, State of Global Air), public health registries, (Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry and International Agency for Research on Cancer) and local reports. Data on pollutant type, source, molecular pathways, and carcinogenic properties were extracted and synthesized. Our analysis identified ethylene oxide (EtO), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and PM from industrial sites as key pollutants. The municipalities of Salinas and Vieques, hubs of industrial activity and military exercises, respectively, emerged as critical hotspots where high concentrations of monitored pollutants (e.g., EtO, formaldehyde, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and diesel PM) are associated with a significant prevalence of cancer and respiratory diseases. These agents, known to induce genomic instability and chromosomal aberrations, were correlated with elevated local cancer incidence. Our findings underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions and support a multi-pronged strategy that includes: (1) enhanced regulatory oversight of EtO and other hazardous air pollutant emissions; (2) community-based biomonitoring of high-risk populations; and (3) investment in public health infrastructure and a transition to cleaner energy sources. Integrating rigorous environmental science with public health advocacy is essential to strengthen PR’s cancer-control continuum and foster resilience in its most vulnerable communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Its Impact on Human Health)

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20 pages, 758 KB

Open AccessReview

Adjustment Criteria for Air-Quality Standards by Altitude: A Scoping Review with Regulatory Overview

by Lenin Vladimir Rueda-Torres, Julio Warthon-Ascarza and Sergio Pacsi-Valdivia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(7), 1053; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22071053 - 30 Jun 2025

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Abstract

Air-quality standards (AQS) are key regulatory tools to protect public health by setting pollutant thresholds. However, most are based on sea-level data. High-altitude (HA) environments differ in atmospheric conditions, influencing pollutant behavior and human vulnerability. These differences have prompted proposals for altitude-specific AQS adjustments. This systematic review identifies models and criteria supporting such adaptations and examines regulatory air-quality frameworks in countries with substantial populations living at very high altitudes (VHA). This review follows PRISMA-P guidelines, focusing on studies examining AQS adjustment approaches based on altitude. The Population/Concept/Context (PCC) framework was used to define search terms: population (AQS), concept (air pollutants), and context (altitude), with equivalents. The literature was retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Gale OneFile: Environmental Studies and Policy. A total of 2974 articles were identified, with 2093 remaining after duplicate removal. Following title and abstract screening, 2081 papers were excluded, leaving 12 for full-text evaluation. Ultimately, six studies met the eligibility criteria. Three studies focused on adjustment models based on atmospheric conditions, such as temperature and pressure changes, while the other three examined human physiological responses, particularly the increased inhaled air volume. China, Peru, and Bolivia have the largest populations living above 3500 m a.s.l., yet none of these countries have specific air-quality regulations tailored to HA conditions. The review underscores the necessity for tailored AQS in HA environments, highlighting specific criteria related to both atmospheric conditions and human physiological responses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Its Impact on Human Health)

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