The book presents the latest advances in research into health effects of air pollution, with heavy motor vehicle traffic or cigarette smoke as the exemplar of pollution. The airways are the first-line defense system against pollution. The book focuses on respiratory ailments underlain by inflammation, increased susceptibility to infection, particularly acquired during harsh environmental conditions and exposures to particulate matter or pathogens. The importance of astute analysis of lung function for early diagnosis of disorders is underscored. A knowledge deficit concerning the aerosolized drug delivery through the airways also is addressed. Recent developments and viewpoints in the field of environmental health hazards as well as methodological advances in their assessment are provided. The book will be of interest to pulmonologists, healthcare providers, researchers and clinicians engaged in environment-related respiratory diseases, but also to policy makers concerned with clean ambient air quality.
"This book addresses the diagnosis, classification, and treatment of a range of pulmonary conditions. ... The audience certainly includes pulmonologists among other providers, as well as researchers and clinicians involved in environmental or occupational lung disease. ... This is a serious entry in the field of respiratory research. ... All in all, this is a small but important collection of papers." (J. Thomas Pierce, Doody's Book Reviews, June, 2015)