Acute Health EFFECT OF OZONE ON PULMONARY FUNCTION OF SENSITIVE POPULATIONS (CHILDREN AND OLDER ADULTS)

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Study1

Purpose of the Study2

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW3

Which population groups are at high risk?3

Do the established limit values ensure no harmful effects on the health?5

Relationship between Ozone and Mortality11

Ozone Exposure levels on which effects are experienced14

Effects of Recurrent or Long-Term Exposure to Ozone15

Benefits associated with maintaining 8 hour Ozone Standard17

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY20

Qualitative Research20

Justification for selecting Qualitative Research method21

Search Strategy and Data Collection21

Inclusion Criteria22

Exclusion Criteria23

Analysis23

Limitations with the Research Design24

Ethical Insights24

CHAPTER 4: RESULT AND DISCUSSION25

Results25

Association between Ozone days and Irritation27

Association between ozone exposure and lung function end points28

Discussion31

Study Group31

Environmental Condition33

Irritations34

Lung Function35

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION39

REFERENCES41

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

This aim of this study is to understand the acute health effects of the ozone on the sensitive population, specifically amongst children and old people. The constant exposure to air pollution has been consistently associated with a number of adverse effects on the health of mankind. There have been many associations made, which started with gradual and transient changes experienced within the respiratory functions. However, these operations have been gradually linked with an increase in the pulmonary activities. Studies also indicate the fact that if these conditions are not dealt by taking suitable measures, it can lead to severe respiratory abnormalities. The air pollution can also cause impaired pulmonary activities and further constrict the respiration function and ultimately lead to death. Air pollution has an adverse affect on the health of masses, however, as studies continue to look into this phenomenon it has been viewed that air pollutants also have the ability to affect the cardiovascular system. Such claims arise from studies which consider the acute and chronic impact of constant exposure to air pollutants. One of the most alarming findings associated with this phenomenon is regarding the impact that such pollutants have on the health of mankind. Additionally it has been studied that constant exposure can also lead to mortality which is quite alarming and needs to be further studied. There is a considerable amount of evidence that indicates the adverse affects of air pollution on human health (WHO, 2013).

Toxicological evidence adds in the knowledge of possible harm air pollutants can have on the health of people. It also provides a number of mechanisms which can be looked into in order to understand in detail the impact of such pollutants on the health of people (Stanek, 2011).

Stanek (2011) provides the following example, that a constant exposure to air pollution can lead to greater health problems which have been overlooked for many years or have been considered associated with other factors. Only once the relationship between both reveals to be causal and understanding regarding this issue has been gained. Only then it increases the chances of identifying possible means through which this relationship can be understood appropriately. This study aims at gathering evidence which can be used to substantiate the fact that the more the relationship between health issues and air pollutants are studied and dealt with ...