Allergens And Respiratory Pollutants

This invaluable volume, the third in the series Air Pollution Reviews, addresses particular questions relating to air pollution and its effect on health. It deals with the impact of nasal disease on lung exposure, how pollutants are distributed within the lung, and the uncertainties with regard to defining the dose to the lung. It takes a tangential look at the lung dose by exploring the possibility of obtaining clues from occupational medicine. Toxicologically, the book examines the possible methodology for exploring how particles and their toxicity can be investigated, and looks into the cardio-toxic effects of air pollution. The effects of pollutant mixtures are compared with those of individual pollutants. In addition, the question of the importance of acid aerosols is tackled. Epidemiologically, the book deals with the problems associated with point sources as opposed to diffuse sources of air pollution, and considers whether the health effects of air pollution can be adequately quantified. These areas, though difficult, need to be addressed, in order to develop our knowledge of the health effects of air pollution. In this volume, a strong panel of authors treat the issues. They have raised questions but at the same time succeeded in solving a number of problems. Contents: The Role of the Nose in Health and Disease (R Eccles)Cardiovascular Effects of Particles (H C Routledge & J G Ayres)Point Sources of Air Pollution — Investigation of Possible Health Effects Using Small Area Methods (P Elliott)Characterisation of Airborne Particulate Matter and Related Mechanisms of Toxicity: An Experimental Approach (K Bérubé et al.)Acid Aerosols as a Health Hazard (L C Chen et al.)Testing New Particles (K Donaldson et al.)Valuing the Health Impact of Air Pollution: Deaths, DALYs or Dollars? (A E M de Hollander & J M Melse) Readership: Government bodies, environmentalists, scientists in the field of air pollution, undergraduate and graduate students.

Allergens and respiratory pollutants is a collection of 12 authoritative papers that draws upon the collective expertise of world leaders in the fields of innate immunity, immunotoxicology and pulmonary biology. The book critically explores the biological and immunological mechanisms that contribute to immune dysfunction on exposure to allergens and the susceptibility to infectious disease on exposure to ambient pollutants. The clinical relevance of exposure to ambient airborne xenobiotics is critically discussed and collectively, this book provides an educational forum that links the health effects of environmental exposures, immune dysfunction and inflammatory airways disease. Discusses recent advances in our understanding of cell-mediated innate immune mechanisms that occur during allergic inflammation and provides important timely coverage of diseases of concern and how such diseases are influenced by a dysfunctional immune system Provides useful information on linking environmental 'danger signals' that provoke immune dysfunction and exacerbation of existing disease Draws upon the collective expertise of an international college of leaders in the field, but also provides chapters that provide essential reference material

This is the first book to summarize all aspects of allergenic pollen: production, atmospheric distribution, and health impacts, as well as the means of monitoring and forecasting these phenomena. Based on a four-year effort by a large group of leading European scientists, this book highlights the new developments in research on allergenic pollen, including the modelling prospects and effects of climate change. The multidisciplinary team of authors offers insights into the latest technology of detection of pollen and its allergenic properties, forecasting methods, and the influence of allergenic pollen on the population. The comprehensive coverage in this book makes it an indispensible volume for anyone dealing with allergenic pollen worldwide. Readers involved in environmental health, aerobiology, medicine, and plant science will find this book of interest.

Microbial pollution is a key element of indoor air pollution. It is caused by hundreds of species of bacteria and fungi, in particular filamentous fungi (mould), growing indoors when sufficient moisture is available. This document provides a comprehensive review of the scientific evidence on health problems associated with building moisture and biological agents. The review concludes that the most important effects are increased prevalences of respiratory symptoms, allergies and asthma as well as perturbation of the immunological system. The document also summarizes the available information on the conditions that determine the presence of mould and measures to control their growth indoors. WHO guidelines for protecting public health are formulated on the basis of the review. The most important means for avoiding adverse health effects is the prevention (or minimization) of persistent dampness and microbial growth on interior surfaces and in building structures. [Ed.]

Written by an expanded team of leading international scientists, the second edition thoroughly investigates research and therapies for managing adverse physiological effects of air-borne particles on the respiratory tract. The book examines the lung as the gateway for particle damage to organs outside the respiratory system and provide the information needed to understand and combat the numerous and varied ailments caused by inhaled particles.

Since about 1980, asthma prevalence and asthma-related hospitalizations and deaths have increased substantially, especially among children. Of particular concern is the high mortality rate among African Americans with asthma. Recent studies have suggested that indoor exposuresâ€"to dust mites, cockroaches, mold, pet dander, tobacco smoke, and other biological and chemical pollutantsâ€"may influence the disease course of asthma. To ensure an appropriate response, public health and education officials have sought a science-based assessment of asthma and its relationship to indoor air exposures. Clearing the Air meets this need. This book examines how indoor pollutants contribute to asthmaâ€"its causation, prevalence, triggering, and severity. The committee discusses asthma among the general population and in sensitive subpopulations including children, low-income individuals, and urban residents. Based on the most current findings, the book also evaluates the scientific basis for mitigating the effects of indoor air pollutants implicated in asthma. The committee identifies priorities for public health policy, public education outreach, preventive intervention, and further research.