Asthma and Air Pollution

A guide for health professionals
This publication is dedicated to the memory of Professor Ann Woolcock AO
The aim of this paper is to provide an up-to-date, evidence-based summary of the issues around asthma and air pollution, including practical advice. There is also a consumer brochure on this topic. These documents have been produced by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing in collaboration with the National Asthma Council.
Contents
Introduction
Health effects of outdoor air pollution
Reducing exposure to outdoor pollutants
Outdoor air pollutants
Health effects of indoor air pollution
Reducing exposure to indoor air pollutants
Indoor air pollutants
Current issues
Information resources
Levels of evidence
References
Appendices

Authors

A/Prof Michael Abramson, Monash University;
Dr Stephen Brown, CSIRO;
Dr Shyamali Dharmage, The University Of Melbourne;
A/Prof Nicholas Glasgow, The University Of Sydney;
Peter Holder, Community Pharmacist, ACT;
Peter Lewis, Consumer Representative, VIC;
Dr James Markos, Launceston General Hospital;
Prof Rod Simpson, University Of The Sunshine Coast

Disclaimer

The information contained in this paper has been expert reviewed and represents the available published literature at the time of review. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Any questions regarding a medical diagnosis or treatment should be referred to a medical practitioner.

© Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing 2005.

Further information

National Asthma Council	www.NationalAsthma.org.au
The National Asthma Council website contains information and publications on asthma and has links to other asthma sites
Asthma Foundations of Australia Patients can contact their local Asthma Foundation on 1800 645 130 or visit their websites:
Asthma Foundations of Australia	www.asthmaaustralia.org.au
Asthma Foundation of New South Wales	www.asthmansw.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Northern Territory	www.asthmant.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Queensland	www.asthmaqld.org.au
Asthma Foundation of South Australia	www.asthmasa.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Tasmania	www.asthmatas.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Victoria	www.asthma.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Western Australia	www.asthmawa.org.au
Asthma	www.health.gov.au
HealthInsite	www.healthinsite.gov.au
Healthy Homes	www.nphp.gov.au/enhealth/council/pubs/pdf/healthyhomes.pdf
Australasian Society for Clinical Immunology and Allergy	www.allergy.org.au
Reliable and up-to-date information on allergy and asthma

This series on Asthma Topics for Health Professionals comprises eight separate titles:

1  Asthma and Allergy
2  Asthma and Lung Function Tests
3  Asthma and Pain Relievers
4  Asthma and Air Pollution
5  Asthma and Complementary Therapies
6  Asthma and Infant Bedding
7  Asthma and Diet in Early Childhood
8  Asthma and Wheezing in the First Years of Life

To access these documents log on to: www.NationalAsthma.org.au or the Department of Health and Ageing on 1800 500 053.