Abstract

The incidence of chronic diseases has soared sharply during this century, while the infectious diseases which were the primary public health concern in the past have been brought under control.

Air pollution has been linked to asthma, acute respiratory infections, allergies, and other ailments in children. Such childhood diseases may well underlie chronic ills developed in later life.

When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it displaces the oxygen in the blood and reduces the amount carried to the body tissues. It can slow the reactions of even the healthiest persons, making them more prone to accidents. Moreover, it is believed to impose an extra burden on those already suffering from anemia, diseases of the heart and blood vessels, chronic lung disease, overactive thyroid, or even simple fever. Cigarette smokers, who are already inhaling significant amounts of CO in tobacco smoke, take on an additional CO burden from polluted air.