[Personal protection strategies for mitigating the effects of air pollution: A narrative literature review].

Abstract

Background: reducing air emissions is the fundamental action necessary to mitigate the negative health effects caused by air pollution. However, increased public awareness has highlighted the need to identify protective measures that can mitigate the personal health risks associated with air pollution.

Objectives: examine the evidence regarding personal protection strategies capable of mitigating the health effects caused by air pollution, with a focus on healthy individuals and at-risk categories.  Design: narrative review.

Setting and participants: this study examines the most effective personal protection strategies for healthy and at-risk individuals, considering children, the elderly, and individuals with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases; the examined strategies include the use of air purifiers, respiratory masks, exposure limitation, physical activity, alternative means of transportation, and environmental monitoring systems.

Main outcomes measures: reduction of individual exposure to air pollution, respiratory and cardiovascular outcomes, total and all-cause mortality.

Results: the evidence indicates that these measures can reduce exposure and promote well-being. For at-risk individuals, it is crucial to limit exposure during periods and in locations with high pollution levels, with an emphasis on physical activity. The use of high-efficiency air purifiers can reduce the negative effect of air pollution on individuals with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, especially those with asthma. In healthy individuals, multiple mitigation actions have been identified, with evidence suggesting that the benefits of physical activity persist even in environments with high levels of air pollution.

Conclusions: this narrative review provides an overview of personal strategies capable of reducing air pollution exposure and consequently mitigating its negative impact on health. These findings can support the development of recommendations and communication and prevention interventions, promoting risk reduction policies and increased awareness and engagement from both healthcare and non-healthcare networks at the local level. Although more robust systematic approaches are needed, this review serves as a useful tool for stakeholders and citizens, while also providing a simple instrument with significant communicative potential, applicable on a large scale.