Background

   Air pollution causes large public health burden. A recent estimate shows that ambient particulate matter less than 2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5) is the fifth-ranking morality risk factor in 2015 and exposure to PM2.5 caused 4.2 million deaths in 2015. Although the 59% of these occurred in east and south Asia, evidence on health effects of air pollution is still limited in Asian countries.  

Research activity

   We are therefore conducting epidemiological studies to provide further evidence from Asian countries. We have shown that air pollution increases the risk of diseases such as cardiorespiratory diseases, lung cancer, preterm birth, low birth weight, infant mortality. For example, we observed a 0.6 % increase in mortality among elderlies per 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5. Moreover, we recently made a research consortium named AIRCAP among Asian researchers from Korea, China, Malaysia, India, and others to perform climate and air pollution research in Asia countries.

Perspective

   Our activity can contribute to air pollution and public health strategy in Japan as well as in the world.