The impairment of lung function caused by environmental exposure to pollutants and toxicants is a rising health problem, particularly in highly industrialized parts of the world. The problem is urgently calling for the development of new methodologies to assess both the level of elemental exposure and the effects for quality of health and longevity. This volume provides state-of-the-art information about the recent advances in occupational and non-occupational pollutant-related disorders of the respiratory tract, and the assessment of a threat they pose for the health-span. Heavy traffic-related air pollution, unnoticeable but salient health detriment, is dealt with at length.

Inhalt

Effects of exposure to welding fume on lung function: results from the German WELDOX study.- Disability-Adjusted Life Years in the Assessment of Health Effects of Traffic-Related Air Pollution.- Impact of Traffic-Related Air Pollution on Health.- Traffic-related air pollution and respiratory tract efficiency.- Different Patterns in Changes of Exhaled Breath Condensate pH and Exhaled Nitric Oxide after Ozone Exposure.- Serial Measurements of Exhaled Nitric Oxide at Work and at Home: a New Tool for the Diagnosis of Occupational Asthma.- Prevalence of Work-Related Rhino-Conjunctivitis and Respiratory Symptoms among Domestic Waste Collectors.- Quality of Life and Health Care Utilization in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Diseases.- Usage of Medical Internet and E-Health Services by the Elderly.