Gaseous air pollutants include reactive gases, legislated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O 3), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), sulfur dioxide (SO 2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). All other airborne particles fall under the category of inorganic PM, which can include dust (silica), calcium and heavy metal particles such as lead.

Organic PM includes airborne bioaerosols, which are particles from microbes, plants, and animals that are suspended in the air. PM is further categorized by composition into organic and inorganic matter. If particles are in ultrafine ranges (PM 0.1 (≤0.1 µm)), they can further penetrate endothelial layers. PM 10, on the other hand, does not reach the alveoli, and its effects are restricted to the pulmonary system. Thus, it affects the cardiopulmonary systems. For example, as PM 2.5 passes through the pulmonary system, some of it is deposited in the lower airways and the rest reaches alveoli and therefore the circulatory system. The two well-established PM sizes PM 2.5 (≤2.5 µm) and PM 10 (≤10 µm) have different target organs. Organ specific PM effects are dictated by the size, morphology, and composition of particles. Īir pollution includes a complex mixture of particulate matter (PM) and harmful gases. For example, studies have linked air pollution to male and female infertility, psychological burden, and neurodegeneration. Emerging literature further suggests that air pollution affects other systems as well, such as the reproductive system, neurological system, and the eye.

Most studies have focused on the link between air pollution and cardiopulmonary diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. We discuss these findings and potential mitigation strategies, such as air purifiers, air humidifiers, and plants, that may be instituted as treatments at an individual level to address environmental contributors to DE.Īir pollution is becoming an increasing global concern, especially outdoor pollution in low-income countries and indoor air pollution in high income countries. Overall, we found that air pollution and weather conditions have differential adverse effects on DE symptoms and signs. While we tried to focus on the effect of specific exposures on specific aspects of DE, environmental conditions are often studied concomitantly, and thus, there are unavoidable interactions between our variables of interest. To do so, we conducted a PubMed search using key terms to summarize the existing literature on the effects of air pollution and weather on DE. Additionally, we examine the effects of weather (relative humidity, temperature) on DE symptoms and signs. In this review, we break down air pollution into particulate matter (organic and inorganic) and gaseous compounds and summarize the literature regarding effects of various exposures on DE. Effects of air pollutants on the ocular surface typically manifest as dry eye (DE) symptoms and signs. The ocular surface is an excellent model with which to study the effects of air pollution on human health as it is in constant contact with the environment, and it is directly accessible, facilitating disease monitoring. Air pollution has broad effects on human health involving many organ systems.

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