Research on air pollution and health in Hong Kong

The relation between air pollution and health was reviewed with reference to major air pollution incidents that occurred in the early to mid-twentieth century, and the more recent findings of health effects at relatively low concentrations of air pollutants. Findings of epidemiological studies in Hong Kong on air pollution and health were then described. These range from cross-sectional studies, before-and-after study, and the popular time series studies. In general, results concurred with findings reported in many overseas studies. Future research needs include the study of health effects in the primary care setting, exposure assessment studies, panel studies, health economic studies, and experimental studies for the detection of threshold levels of exposure.