Short-term air pollution exposure and risk of respiratory pathogen infections: an 11-year case-crossover study in Guangzhou, China

This large-scale epidemiological study demonstrates significant associations between short-term air pollutant exposure and respiratory infections, particularly highlighting the risks of NO₂ and CO exposure. The findings underscore the critical need for strengthening air quality monitoring and protection strategies in rapidly urbanizing regions, with special attention to vulnerable populations such as minors. These results provide evidence-based support for enhancing environmental health policies in metropolitan areas to better protect public health through improved air quality standards and early warning systems.