This article is a critical analysis of a study published in the *European Respiratory Journal*, 2003;21 (suppl. 40):70s-75s. Based on the observation that older adults are more sensitive to air pollution due to reduced respiratory function, the authors provide a synthesis of current knowledge and hypotheses regarding the oxidant-antioxidant balance in the respiratory tract, as well as the possible sources of the main antioxidants present and their role in respiratory pathology. This is done to demonstrate that the underlying mechanisms involved warrant more detailed study in older adults. This is a literature review comprising 53 references. This review addresses the issue of respiratory sensitivity in older adults. This sensitivity, observed outside of pollution episodes, is heightened in the presence of air pollution. (Excerpt from the article)