Travelling to polluted cities: a systematic review on the harm of air pollution on international travellers’ health

Abstract Rationale for Review In 2019, approximately, 1.4 billion people travelled internationally. Many individuals travel to megacities where air pollution concentrations can vary significantly. Short-term exposure pollutants cause morbidity and mortality related cardiovascular respiratory disease, with the literature clearly reporting a strong association between short-term particulate matter ≤2.5 μm ozone adverse health outcomes in resident populations. However, limited research has been conducted on impacts of who The objective this systematic review was evidence from during international polluted cities adults aged ≥18 years old. Key Findings We searched PubMed, Scopus EMBASE studies travellers. Of initially identified 115 articles that fit search criteria, 6 were selected final review. All six found indications travellers, most changes being reversible upon return their home country/city. none these contained large populations nor investigated vulnerable populations, such as children, elderly or those pre-existing conditions. Conclusions More is warranted understand travellers’ health, especially groups may be at higher risk cities.