Outdoor Air Pollutants and the Impact on Public Health

The demands of increasing population coupled with the desire of most people for a higher material standard of living are resulting in worldwide increasing pollution on a massive scale. In some cases, pollution is a clear-cut phenomenon （e.g., emissions from an old industrial plant）. Sometimes it is difficult to be identified （e.g., microbial pollution） and in others lies largely in the eyes of the beholder （e.g., noise pollution）. Outdoor air pollutants are contaminants which are present in the ambient air and have detrimental effects on human health or upon its environment. The aim of this literature review study is the comprehensive presentation of the major pollutants, which are commonly determined in studies in urban environment, as well as emerging pollutants with important impact in human health. The sources, the sampling and monitoring methods of these pollutants are discussed. In addition, this study contains critical up to date legislation issues concerning environmental pollution coming from these c