Cardiovascular Disease and Fine Particulate Matter: Lessons and Limitations of an Integrated Exposure-Response Approach

Substantial evidence indicates that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter from multiple combustion sources contributes to cardiovascular disease (CVD). An integrated exposure-response (IER) approach uses evidence from exposures to air pollution, second-hand smoke, and active cigarette smoking to explore mortality exposure- risk relationships. Although there are limitations, this approach provides a useful framework to evaluate consistency and coherency of the evidence and to estimate burden of disease from air pollution.