ASSESSMENT OF EXPOSURES TO AIRBORNE TOXIC CHEMICALS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OR EXACERBATION OF ASTHMA IN THE GENERAL POPULATION

摘要

Numerous questions exist regarding possible connections between exposures to airborne toxic chemicals at levels likely to occur in the general population and the development or exacerbation of asthma. The goal of this project was to evaluate existing scientific knowledge concerning airborne toxic chemicals and asthma based on comprehensive searches of the medical and scientific literature since the 1960s. This evaluation included the 188 hazardous air pollutants listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, other similar toxic chemicals, and certain mixtures. Using an online service to search multiple bibliographic databases simultaneously, the searches yielded journal articles, articles and abstracts from scientific meetings, and government reports. Selected studies were critically reviewed to determine the extent and quality of the scientific evidence for relationships between airborne toxic chemicals and asthma. The results of this evaluation provided valuable information for determining future research directions for this important public health issue.