Objective To get comprehensive and quantitative evaluation of the impact of ambient air pollution on human health. Methods The approach recommended in this paper is a quantitative estimate on the health impact from exposure to air pollutants based on the internationally accepted quantitative risk assessment framework and the per unit increase in mortality or morbidity due to per unit increase of air pollutants levels. Results A schematic diagram of health-based risk assessment on air pollutants is presented. Calculation for excess deaths and excess disease cases is also provided. Conclusion This approach could be used for comparing the health effects associated with exposure to air pollutants of various Chinese cities in different time periods and is also useful in the priority setting of air pollution intervention and improvement measures and health-based cost benefit analysis.

Objective To get the quantitative result of the impact of air sulfur dioxide on human health in the urban districts of Shanghai. Methods The approach recommended in this paper is based on the internationally accepted quantitative risk assessment framework and the unit increase in mortality or morbidity per unit increase of air pollutant level. Results In 1990,1998,the air sulfur dioxide caused 450～2 400,30～170 attributable deaths,accounting also for 54 600,4000 of chronic bronchitis,515 800,32 200 of outpatient visits of internal medicine,157 000～7 000 of outpatient visits of paediatrics medicine, 101 900～334 600, 6 600～23 200 of emergency room visits,23.3%,1.6% increase of cough,53.3%,3.6% increase of out of breath. Conclusion The impact of air sulfur dioxide in the urban districts of Shanghai on public health is considerable,although there is a decline trend.