Moscow Smog of Summer 2002. Evaluation of Adverse Health Effects

The Moscow extreme event in Summer 2002 was not marked by a strong heat-wave, as seen in Europe during 2000 - 2003, although three-to-four heat-waves (temperature 28 - 32 degrees C) lasting for four to six days each were observed. The main cause of concern was the presence of a haze and a smell of burning for many days together with high concentrations of pollutants produced by the forest and peat bog fires and industrial and vehicle emission. Due to the lack of appropriate and timely data on health outcomes of the smog at that time, the Ministry of Health and the Moscow Authority asked the Institute of Human Ecology and Environmental Hygiene to evaluate quickly possible adverse health effects caused by the smog. The information was needed for further decision-making in an effort to overcome the consequences of the smog. The present article describes the adverse health effects that the pollutants of concern may cause, and presents measured pollutant concentrations and evaluated adverse health outcomes of the smog air pollution.