Atmospheric Pollution

Abstract

Considering these points in conjunction with findings reported in accompanying papers leads to the following conclusions:

1. In areas that have in the past been heavily polluted by emissions from the burning of coal or heavy oil, there is evidence of increased morbidity and mortality from CAD and exacerbations of respiratory illness at times of peak pollution.

2. In most developed countries, control of such emissions, applied both to domestic and industrial sources, has by now rendered these effects of minor importance compared with other factors.

3. Remaining problems are more likely to be associated with the microenvironment of the individual than the general outside air. In developing countries exposure to fumes from unflued cooking sources indoors presents special hazards.

4. Particular care is required to avoid the exposure of young children to high levels of pollution, whether of outdoor or indoor origin. Not only are there links between such exposures and the occurrences of respiratory illnesses, but these early experiences also contribute to the development of CAD in later life.

5. Cigarette smoking provides, for the smoker, the most intense exposures to pollution of any kind, and it can contribute appreciably to the exposure of others indoors. Measures to deter young people from taking up smoking and to encourage existing smokers to give up offer the greatest opportunities for reducing the prevalence of CAD.