The term ‘air pollution’ refers to parts in the atmosphere such as chemicals or other material, which can cause damage to the environment and can lead to people becoming ill.
Air pollution includes natural materials that come from processes such as volcano eruptions and dust storms in deserts, and substances that come from human activity, such as burning coal and oil and producing chemicals.
The information in this section of the website is taken from the European Respiratory Society’s Air Quality and Health reference book. Published in September 2010, the book provides an overview of the current knowledge about the nature and health consequences of air pollution. It is targeted at healthcare professionals and politicians.