The impact of air pollution on human health is subject to extensive research. Most evidence concerns the effect of exposure to airborne PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 on daily mortality and hospital admissions. However; less is known about the effects of SO₂. Our study (time-series analysis) investigates the effects of 24-hour concentrations of PM₁₀, SO₂ and NO_X on daily mortality over 2001-2002 in 14 cities of the Katowice Conurbation. Results of the study suggest that SO₂ is the major air pollutant affecting the daily mortality profile in Katowice Conurbation. Sulphur dioxide effect is apparent in relation to both general and ardiovascular or respiratory mortality, particularly in the elderly. The effect of PM₁₀ concentration is also statistically significant but only to the general mortality pattern.