At a time when air pollution appears as a risk factor for cancer, diabetes, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, pneumo-allergist doctors in regional hospitals, polyclinics, or universities lack knowledge about air pollutants.

This conclusion comes from a study that Institute of Public Health experts have conducted through a questionnaire addressed to a group of doctors in Tirana, Elbasan, Korçë, Fier, Gjirokastër, Kukës, Vlorë and Sarandë. The collected data show that only 21.4% of doctors categorize dust and dust storms as sources of air pollution. As for indoor air, most doctors agreed that cigarette smoke is a common pollutant but they don’t know of many other sources of air pollution.

“The results show a gap in doctors’ knowledge about many sources of air pollution including: dust, perfume, candles, vacuum cleaners, air fresheners, e-cigarettes.”

Another environment where doctors misjudged their exposure to air pollution is their workplace. Working in a hospital and in the classroom are both environments where air pollution can be abundant. A study conducted in Saudi Arabia to assess indoor air quality found that particulate matter levels in a university hospital were higher than established air quality guidelines.

In addition, indoor air pollution can be affected by the overcrowding of each site, the characteristics of the building, the habits and activities of visitors. When it comes to the health impact of air pollution, they believe it increases the risk of cancer, asthma and allergies but have little knowledge of the effect air pollution has on coronary artery disease, obesity and insomnia.

“The results of this study suggest the need for continued education about air pollution for physicians and the development of guidelines on what exactly to ask patients about in their exposure assessment.”

The study showed that only 64% of doctors routinely ask their patients about exposure to air pollution.