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Air pollution
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) works to control and manage air quality across the UK.
The Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) is an Advisory Committee of independent experts that provides advice to Government Departments and Agencies on all matters concerning the potential toxicity and effects upon health of air pollutants. It advises the Department of Health on the effects on health of both outdoor and indoor air pollutants on the basis of data currently available.
Programme of research
Each report has been peer-reviewed by independent experts. In some cases papers derived from these reports have already been published in scientific or medical journals; in other cases papers are still being prepared.
These studies have informed the work of the DH's Committee on Medical Effects of Air Pollutants and also policy making.
Detailed reports
Final reports from the air pollution research initiative commissioned by the Department of Health (DH) Policy Research Programme in 2002 are listed below to provide an information overview.
- Download 1. Cardiac rhythm and personal exposure to air pollution in patients with heart failure (PDF, 1749K)
- Download 2. Air pollution and ventricular arrhythmias in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator attending London hospitals (PDF, 301K)
- Download 3. Locally-generated particulate pollution and respiratory symptoms in young children (PDF, 72K)
- Download 4. Outdoor air pollution, infant mortality and adverse birth outcomes: geographical and time-series analyses, February 2008 (PDF, 512K)
- Download 5. A review of the acute and long term impacts of exposure to nitrogen dioxide in the United Kingdom (PDF, 4849K)
- Download 6. Quantitative systematic review of short term associations between ambient air pollution and mortality and morbidity - June 2007 (PDF, 252K)
- Download 7. Neuropsychological effects of chronic exposure to carbon monoxide in the indoor air (PDF, 721K)
- Download 8. Health effects of long-term exposure to air pollution in Scotland (PDF, 1247K)
- Download 9. Comparing estimated risks for air pollution with risks for other health effects (PDF, 2283K)
- Download 10. Quantification of population exposure benefits of reducing roadside and urban background pollution concentrations (PDF, 1341K)
Defra’s Air Quality Strategy
The UK Government and the devolved administrations published the latest Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in 17 July 2007 - setting out a way forward for work and planning on air quality issues and the air quality standards and objectives to be achieved; introducing new policy framework for tackling fine particles and identifying potential new national policy measures which modelling indicates could give further health benefits and move closer towards meeting the Strategy’s objectives.
WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: dampness and mould
When sufficient moisture is available, hundreds of species of bacteria and fungi – particularly mould – pollute indoor air. The most important effects of exposure to these pollutants are the increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms, allergies and asthma, as well as disturbance of the immune system. Preventing (or minimizing) persistent dampness and microbial growth on interior surfaces and building structures is the most important means of avoiding harmful effects on health.
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the scientific evidence on the health problems associated with this ubiquitous pollution and provides WHO guidelines to protect public health. It also describes the conditions that determine the presence of mould and provides measures to control its growth indoors.
For more information about the book, how to order and a link to the electronic version, please click on the link below:
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