[Asthma and atmospheric pollution]. / Asthme et pollution atmosphérique.

ABSTRACT

Alteration of the air we breathe, due mainly to the transformation of the environment by mankind, is a increasing cause of concern for physicians, public health deciders and government agencies responsible for environmental protection. Modifications of air composition have a proven harmful effect on health and provoke predominantly respiratory symptoms. Asthma is considered as a disease resulting from complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Since asthma-related morbidity and mortality have risen constantly over the past decades, many studies were conducted to identify and evaluate the factors responsible for the onset and/or aggravation of the underlying inflammation. Various atmospheric toxic compounds appear to be responsible, and some experts think that asthmatics are excellent indicators for atmospheric pollution and its intensity. Doses and conditions of experimental exposure are however often quite different from real population exposure, implicating very critical evaluation of demonstrated effects and extreme prudence when extrapolating results.