[Air quality and particulate matter].

Clean air is considered to be a key factor influencing human health. It is not only important for respiratory health but influences the homeostasis of the whole human organism. In this respect, all major national and international respiratory societies point to the extremely important role of national and international clean air acts that address both inner (i. e. tobacco smoke) and outer (i. e. environmental pollutants) air pollution. Due to research at the levels of pulmonary medicine and environmental medicine, the European Union has implemented new limit values. Clinical and experimental evidence points out that it is crucial to comply with these regulations since recent studies have shown that not only patients with lung diseases but also children and their lung development are endangered by high concentrations of air pollutants. With regard to the complexity of detrimental effects new national and international research programs should be established for the assessment of health effects of air pollutants.