Mediators of Inflammation in Response to Air Pollution: A Focus on Ozone and Nitrogen Dioxide: A 'Concerted Action' Project in the EU Biomed2 Programme for Promoting Research That Meets the Public Health Needs of European Citizens

Recent epidemiological and environmental chamber studies have strengthened the link between air pollution and respiratory disease. Acute exposure to ozone and nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) for short periods results in both upper and lower airway inflammation and patients suffering from asthma and allergic rhinitis are particularly at risk. Neutrophils are involved in the acute inflammatory reaction following ozone exposure whereas NO(2) poses a more complex response involving neutrophils, mast cells and lymphocytes. The prostanoids play an important role in early symptomatic and functional responses, although their source is still unclear.