[Epidemiology of the cardiorespiratory effects of particulates].

This review summarises the epidemiology of cardio-pulmonary effects of air pollution particles. The published studies that are reviewed here, were published between 1990 and 2000. First, the study designs, used in air pollution epidemiology, are defined. Second, the health effects of acute exposure are related, such as mortality, respiratory effects, effects on allergy and asthma and cardio-vascular effects. Third, the effects of chronic exposures are described, with also mortality, respiratory effects, effects on allergy and asthma, cardio-vascular effects, and effects on cancer incidence. Finally, the numerous studies published this last ten years, highlight a coherent cascade of cardio-pulmonary effects in relation to particles air pollution.