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January, 1997:

Why IS RSP polltuion bad?

Small respirable particles less than 10 microns in diameter (PM10), and particularly very small particles (PM2.5) escape the filtering mechanisms of the respiratory system and can lodge in the deepest recesses of the lungs

They are associated with a wide range of health effects, including premature mortality, exacerbation of asthma, increased respiratory irritation symptoms, increased respiratory infections, decreased lung function.

Research conducted at the Chinese University of Hong Kong shows a tight correlation between increased levels of air pollution and increased hospital admissions of children for asthma.

Report on the Economic Costs of Air Pollution
FoE Hong Kong – 1997
Lai, C. , Pers. comm., Chinese University