Air pollution: from sources of emissions to health effects

Abstract

Key points Educational aims Summary Air pollution, particularly in urban areas, constitutes a public health concern, as it has a harmful effect on the health, survival and activities of humans and other living organisms. Here, the main types of air pollution commonly found in urban environments are presented, along with their sources, levels of emissions, mechanisms of dispersion, transformation, concentrations in ambient air (=immissions), and effects on the environment and health. In particular, the concepts of exposure, absorbed dose and individual susceptibility are explained. The recent evolution in air pollutant emissions and immissions due to the growing weight of road traffic is also described. Finally, European air quality criteria are highlighted.