Authors: Avis, W. & Khaemba, W. (2018).
Air pollution is a global environmental health threat contributing to an estimated three – seven million deaths per year worldwide. The effects of air pollution on human health are well documented in a range of epidemiological studies with exposure increasing the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, bronchitis and other cardio-respiratory conditions. Whilst these estimated figures are alarming, they gloss over the disproportionate impact of poor air quality on certain populations, locations and occupations. This rapid literature review synthesizes findings from rigorous academic, practitioner, and policy references published in the past 10-15 years that discuss vulnerability to air pollution exposure based on population, occupation and location characteristics.