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Mega-Events, Air Pollution and Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Hiba El Khattaby1, Marco Panizzolo1, Federica Ghelli1
1Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Mega-events can worsen air pollution and increase health risks, especially without controls. Implementing emission control measures during these events can significantly reduce air quality impacts on public health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Air pollution is a major global health concern, causing millions of premature deaths and economic losses.
- Mega-events temporarily alter local environments, creating unique opportunities to study air pollution's health effects.
- Previous research indicates a link between air quality and adverse health outcomes, but the specific impacts during large gatherings require further synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review evidence on air pollution level changes during mega-events.
- To assess the associated short-term health effects, including mortality, hospitalizations, and biological responses.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of emission control measures during these events.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed across major databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science) up to April 2025.
- Thirty-one studies were included after quality assessment using the EPHPP Quality Assessment Tool.
- The review synthesized data on pollutant levels, health outcomes (morbidity, mortality), and biomarker responses.
Main Results:
- Mega-events without emission controls were linked to increased air pollutant levels and higher risks of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
- Biomarker studies showed rapid, reversible changes in oxidative stress and inflammation due to short-term pollution variations.
- Effective emission control measures during mega-events led to significant reductions in air pollution.
Conclusions:
- Mega-events can significantly impact air quality, affecting human health.
- Temporary emission control strategies are valuable for mitigating negative health consequences during future mega-events.
- The current evidence base is heavily skewed towards Asian countries, highlighting a need for broader geographical research.
Keywords:
Olympicsair pollutionbiomarkersemission control measuresfestivalshospitalizationmega-eventsmortalityoxidative stresspublic healthMore Related Videos
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