[Acute effects of air pollution on health: evidence from epidemiological studies]

To summarize the evidence of acute health effects from exposure to particulate matter and ozone.

A meta-analysis was performed using random effect models, to summarize the health effects of pollution, published in major international and Mexican journals up to June 2000.

Results were given as percent increase in ten units of PM10 (microgram/m3) and ozone (ppb). PM10 was found to have an effect on mortality (0.96%), hospital admissions (1.39%), emergency room visits (3.11%), respiratory symptoms (7.72%), pulmonary forced vital capacity (1.42%), and restricted activity days (7.74%). Ozone effects were equally significant.

These findings show the great impact that air pollutants may have on the health of populations living in large metropolis.