Outdoor air pollution "associated with mortality" in China

Research carried out in Shanghai on air pollution and its effects has found that the disadvantaged, women and the elderly are most at risk from air pollution in the area.

An array of Chinese scientists undertook the four-year study, which was published in the September edition of Environmental Health Perspectives and looked at outdoor air pollution and its correlation with rates of mortality.

It determined that air pollution levels are at their highest in cooler seasons rather than warmer periods.

Those aged over 65 feel the effects of air pollution around two to five times more than citizens half their age, the study indicated.

Social conditions were also found to be an issue when it comes to air pollution, such as "a higher prevalence of pre-existing diseases, inferior medical treatment, disadvantaged living conditions, poor diet and lack of available air conditioning", the results stated.

Shanghai, where the study was conducted, is currently featured in an online resource which reports daily on the air quality of various cities.