The New Imperative

Air pollution has a major impact on global health, notably by exacerbating poor respiratory health and the incidence and severity of diseases such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

This article considers the extent and impact of air pollution, globally, examining different sources of pollutants and their effects on respiratory health, and, more generally on health risks and wellbeing. The need to increase awareness of the issues associated with air pollution in the population, medical interest groups and the pharmaceutical industry is highlighted.
The potential to develop products that might improve health by, for example, protecting the mucosa, stimulating epithelial repair mechanisms, and improving the filter function of the nose and nasal cavities is outlined.