183.641.01 THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR AIR POLLUTION

Provides background on respiratory tract defense mechanism and the factors that control inhalation exposures to environmental pollutants and their influences on health and diseases. Topics include oxidant pollutants, sulfur dioxide and acid aerosols, particulates, bioaerosols, building-related illness, volatile organic compounds, environmental tobacco smoke and radon. Also covers host susceptibility factors, risk assessment, the influence of global warming, and regulation and public policy.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Describe the general anatomy and physiology of the human respiratory track, including its primary innate host-defense mechanisms, and factors that may affect individual susceptibility to adverse health effects linked to airborne exposures. • Describe the various categories of indoor and outdoor pollutants, their primary sources, levels and distribution within the environment, and methods by which they are measured. • Explain the physical and chemical characteristics of pollutant agents that influence their distribution, deposition and toxic effects within the airways and elsewhere in the body. • Discuss the mechanisms through which exposures to selected environmental pollutants can initiate, maintain and/or exacerbate human disease.