Some health impacts are minor and reversible. These tend to occur immediately after exposure to the air pollutant, such as watery eyes or throat irritation. International concern over toxic air pollutants is with regard to serious and even life-threatening health impacts. These tend to occur much later and are usually a result of repeated exposure, such as cancer, respiratory infections or birth defects.

Toxic air pollutants usually enter an individual through the air via breathing. Once it enters the body, it can stay in one area, like the lungs, or be transported to other parts of the body. It can undergo chemical changes and kill or impair body cells.

Children are especially susceptible to air pollution because they have higher inhalation rates relative to body mass, less developed lungs and immature immune systems.

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