gms | German Medical Science

Environmental and Occupational Hazards cause health problems affecting a wide variety of organ systems. The respiratory system has long been a special focus of epidemiological research, owing to inhalation as a route of exposure for many hazards. More recently, the focus for studies of ambient air pollution risks has turned to cardiovascular diseases, with cardiovascular events and mortality being linked to both short-term and long-term exposure to air pollutants. In addition to studies of ambient fine particles (aerodynamic diameter less than 10 micrometers), recent research has focused increasingly on specific sources or components of air pollution, including traffic-related air pollution and ultrafine particles (less than 100 nanometers). A related area of research, on health effects of nanoparticles – which are increasingly occurring in advanced technology applications, has also raised concerns. This talk will discuss recent research in these areas, as well as other emerging topics in environmental and occupational health.