A third of the world's population uses solid fuel derived from plant material (biomass) or coal
for cooking, heating, or lighting. These fuels are smoky, often used in an open fire or simple …

Public awareness of the impact of air quality on health is increasing worldwide. Indoor and
outdoor air pollutants impair children's growing lungs, and increase the risk of respiratory …

The American Thoracic Society has previously published statements on what constitutes an
adverse effect on health of air pollution in 1985 and 2000. We set out to update and broaden …

Background Attacks of wheezing induced by upper respiratory viral infections are common
in preschool children between the ages of 10 months and 6 years. A short course of oral …

Background WHO estimates exposure to air pollution from cooking with solid fuels is
associated with over 4 million premature deaths worldwide every year including half a million …

Background Epidemiologic studies indirectly suggest that the inhalation of carbonaceous
particulate matter impairs lung function in children. Using the carbon content of airway …

The epidemiology of wheeze in children, when assessed by questionnaires, is dependent
on parents' understanding of the term “wheeze”. In a questionnaire survey of a random …

There is global concern regarding the harmful impact of polluted air on the respiratory health
of patients with asthma. Multiple epidemiologic studies have shown ongoing associations …

Epidemiologic studies show that 5–12% of subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) are nonsmokers. Little is known about the pathophysiology of the fixed airflow …

Background Episodic wheeze triggered by viral colds is common in children aged between
1 and 5 years (preschool viral wheeze). Most affected children are asymptomatic by age 6 …