By
1 March 2002

Air pollution is a major environmental health problem globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers that air pollution is damaging the resources needed for the long-term sustainable development of the planet. Air pollution degrades the environment, reduces visibility, producing serious health effects. This paper is the abridged version of the longer version that reviews the health effects of air pollution with special reference to Hong Kong and meteorological/geographical and regional influences that affect air pollution locally.