The hypothesis that older adults are more vulnerable to air pollution is not a new one. During the major "smog" episode in London in the winter of 1952, characterized by a sharp rise in acid particulate pollution, it was already among the oldest age groups that the highest mortality rates were observed. In light of this emerging public health issue, the editors of Extrapol reviewed nine recent studies on current knowledge regarding the effects of air pollution on older adults. Several questions, in fact, arise. What do we know about the effects of air pollution on older adults? Are they more sensitive to this risk factor? Are there known factors that predispose them to this potential sensitivity? Have experimental studies confirmed the findings of epidemiological studies? Finally, what pathophysiological mechanisms might explain the greater vulnerability of older adults to air pollution? The authors of the studies presented here have sought to answer one or more of these various questions. (Excerpt from the article)