Use of indicator as the basis to evaluate the exposure to PM10 air pollution and its significance in public health: case study-Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Air pollution is an important public health concern because it can affect large populations, which, in most cases, does not have choices about the air they breathe. There are many sources of air pollution in both urban and non-urban areas. Environmental health indicators can be of particular importance to emphasize the greater vulnerability of certain populations, such as children or the elderly, and to account for it in public policies associated to health and the environment. The article aims at improving information support for environmental health policies and at bringing valid and useful information on Rio de Janeiro about health impacts of environmental hazards for decision-makers. Based on these characteristics, a structure is proposed for the application and managing specific environmental health problems, identifying PM10 as an urban air pollution indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]