Abstract: In many countries around the world including in the small Maltese Islands in Europe, air pollution is associated with increased mortality and morbidity rates as reflected by increased hospital admissions and doctor visits not only for respiratory illnesses but also for cardiovascular illnesses. Some studies have found that air pollution is also associated with an increase in respiratory symptoms in lower lung function in children. In the Maltese Islands, air pollution in mostly because of the power stations as well as traffic emissions. During the past decade, the annual mean level of respirable suspended particulates and oxides of nitrogen and ozone have increased substantially. This review will focus on the effects of air pollution on human health with special reference to data obtained locally in the Maltese Islands.