Hot Weather's Impact: Air Pollution And Asthma Emergencies

High temperatures can cause air pollution, which can trigger asthma attacks in people who already have asthma. Burning fossil fuels, such as from power plants, cars, and trucks, produces carbon pollution that drives climate change and creates conventional air pollution, including particulate matter or PM, that can be harmful to health.

Long-term exposure to air pollution can significantly increase the risk of a child developing asthma, especially in young children. Breathing polluted air can also cause asthma attacks in people who already have asthma.

Air pollution from car and truck exhaust, coal and gas-fired power plants, wildfires, and other sources may increase your child’s risk of developing asthma or triggering an asthma attack.

Air pollution can cause asthma and other lung diseases

Air pollution is the contamination of the air with substances that harm human health or the environment. The pollution may be gases, chemicals, or small particles in the air.

Breathing in air pollution can cause:

• Difficulty breathing deeply
• Worsened asthma symptoms
• Decreased lung growth in kids
• Reduced lung function
• Needing more doses of asthma drugs
• Needing emergency treatment for asthma
• Heart and blood vessel diseases
• Adverse birth outcomes (such as preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirth)

Who Is Most at Risk from Air Pollution?

At high levels, air pollution can be harmful to everyone. But even lower levels of air pollution can harm health.

The groups most at risk from harmful effects of air pollution include:

• People with lung disease like asthma
• People with heart disease
• People who work outside
• People who are active or exercise outdoors
• Individuals who are pregnant and their fetuses
• People who live near sources of pollution (busy roadways, power plants, industrial facilities, oil and gas production sites)
• People who have lower incomes
• Black communities, Hispanic communities, and Native American/Indigenous communities

Outdoor Air Pollution

Traffic and power generation are the main sources of urban air pollution. The idea that outdoor air pollution can cause exacerbations of pre-existing asthma is supported by an evidence base that has been accumulating for several decades, with several studies suggesting a contribution to new-onset asthma as well.

Indoor Air Pollution

Although the potential effect of indoor air pollution on asthma is an important concern, especially in developing countries where much domestic cooking is done with solid fuels, it is outside the scope of this review.

Clinical Implications

One strategy to reduce exacerbations of asthma related to air pollution is for local governments to issue smog alerts on days when ozone or PM2.5 levels are forecast to be high. Individuals with asthma and other pre-existing cardiopulmonary disorders are urged to stay indoors on such days.

Policy Issues

Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions would have a major co-benefit in terms of lowering of primary and secondary emissions of air pollution. Thus, governments should coordinate their climate change mitigation and clean-air regulation efforts as California is trying to do.

Air pollution can worsen asthma symptoms and lead to increased hospital visits

Air pollution is the contamination of the air with harmful substances. These substances can be gases, chemicals, or small particles. Exposure to air pollution can cause asthma and other lung diseases. It can also worsen asthma symptoms and lead to increased hospital visits, and even early death.

People with asthma are at greater risk from breathing in small particles and irritating gases. They can irritate the airways and make asthma worse.

Ozone, a gas, is one of the most common air pollutants. It is helpful in the upper atmosphere but causes problems when it is found closer to the ground in the air we breathe. Ground-level ozone is part of "smog" or haze. It is most common in cities where there are more cars and use of fossil fuels. It is also more common in the summer when there is more sunlight, heat, and low winds. Ground-level ozone is created by chemical reactions between emissions of burning fuel emissions and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heat, and sunlight. It is associated with worsening respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ozone triggers asthma because it is very irritating to the lungs and airways.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) comes from burning fuels. It also forms from emissions from cars, trucks, other vehicles, and power plants. It is part of smog (haze). Breathing in NO2 can cause someone to develop asthma. It can worsen lung disease, especially asthma.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) comes from burning fossil fuels, transportation, volcanoes, and industrial processes. It can be found in smog or haze. SO2 can harm plants (including trees). It can harm your lungs and lead to health problems.

Carbon monoxide (CO) forms from incomplete combustion of fuels and wood. It has no smell. It can be very dangerous when it builds up inside buildings, homes, and cars.

Methane (CH4) is another gas that is part of air pollution. It mostly comes from animal agriculture and in subarctic regions where it is released from melting permafrost. Fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal) and waste (food, landfills, wastewater) also add methane to the air. Methane is 30 times more potent at trapping heat than carbon dioxide (CO2) as a major greenhouse gas that is worsening the climate crisis. Methane can turn into ground-level ozone, which is harmful to human health.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines air pollution as “any visible or invisible particle or gas found in the air that is not part of the natural composition of air.”

The estimated six million children in the United States with asthma are especially vulnerable to air pollution. Researchers have long linked asthma—a serious and life-threatening chronic respiratory disease that affects the quality of life of more than 23 million Americans—with exposure to air pollution. Air pollution can make asthma symptoms worse and trigger asthma attacks.

The body of evidence on the protective effects of a diet high in fruits and vegetables and of antioxidant vitamin supplements is sufficient to support an important role for oxidative stress in the pathways by which outdoor air pollution adversely affects asthma.

Young children with asthma, especially those growing up in economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods, are at increased risk of adverse effects from exposures to air pollution. Unravelling which components of the traffic pollution mixture are responsible for asthma exacerbations and onset is a substantial challenge.

Asthma exacerbations are more prevalent and severe in young boys than in girls, and this disparity has been attributed, at least in part, to relatively narrow airways in early life.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterised by respiratory symptoms such as wheeze, dyspnoea, cough and chest tightness associated with variable expiratory airflow limitation. Exposure to outdoor pollutants (O3, NO2, SO2, CO, PM) could induce asthma symptoms, exacerbations and decreases in lung function. Active tobacco smoking is associated with poorer asthma control, while exposure to SHS increases the risk of asthma exacerbations, respiratory symptoms and healthcare utilisation. Other indoor pollutants such as heating sources and moulds can also negatively impact the course of asthma.

Air pollution can cause early death

Air pollution is a pressing issue that poses a significant threat to human health and is associated with an increased risk of premature death due to various cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including asthma. The presence of harmful substances in the air can lead to adverse effects on the respiratory system, with older adults being particularly vulnerable. Here are some key points to consider regarding the impact of air pollution on early death:

The Impact of Air Pollution on Health

Air pollution has been linked to a range of adverse health outcomes, including asthma, heart attacks, strokes, and cancers. It can irritate the lungs, leading to respiratory issues such as difficulty breathing. Additionally, exposure to air pollution can have both short-term and long-term effects on health, with even short-term exposures posing risks to vulnerable individuals.

The Role of Fine Particles and Ozone

Fine particles (2.5 micrometers in diameter or less) and ozone are two significant types of air pollutants. Fine particles can originate from factories, power plants, and car exhaust, while ozone is the main ingredient of urban smog. When inhaled, these pollutants can irritate the lungs and lead to serious health issues.

The Vulnerability of Older Adults

Research has found that older adults are at an increased risk of dying after intermittent exposure to elevated levels of air pollution. This suggests that even short-term exposures can have detrimental effects on the health of this vulnerable population.

The Impact on Mortality Rates

Studies have shown a correlation between air pollution and premature death. For example, outdoor air pollution is estimated to contribute to 5-10% of total annual premature mortality in the contiguous United States. Additionally, certain subgroups, such as individuals over 85 years old, females, non-white individuals, and those who are economically disadvantaged, are at a higher risk of death associated with air pollution.

The Global Impact of Air Pollution

Air pollution is a global issue, with 91% of the 4.2 million premature deaths in 2016 occurring in low- and middle-income countries in regions like South-East Asia, Central Africa, and the Western Pacific. The quality of air has been improving in developed countries, but air pollution levels are rising in developing nations.

The Impact of Specific Pollutants

Various pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, have been linked to adverse health effects and increased mortality rates. For example, nitrogen dioxide, a traffic-related pollutant, can irritate the respiratory system and enhance allergic airway inflammation. Sulfur dioxide, primarily released from the combustion of sulfur-containing coal and oil, can cause bronchitis, mucus production, and bronchospasm.

The Contribution of Human Activities

Human activities, such as combustion emissions from power generation and road traffic, significantly contribute to harmful air pollutants. Efforts to mitigate air pollution have primarily focused on local emission sources and local air quality. However, it is important to recognize that air quality can also be affected by distant emission sources, including emissions from neighboring regions or states.

Strategies to Reduce Air Pollution

To address the health risks associated with air pollution, it is essential to implement measures to reduce exposure to air pollutants. This includes personal strategies, such as wearing close-fitting N95 facemasks during periods of high air pollution, as well as community and government interventions. Additionally, improving air quality standards and implementing policies to reduce emissions from power plants and vehicles can have a significant impact on public health.

People with lung disease like asthma are at greater risk from breathing in small particles and irritating gases

People with lung diseases like asthma are at a greater risk from breathing in small particles and irritating gases. These particles and gases can irritate the airways and make asthma worse.

Ozone, a gas, is one of the most common air pollutants. It is helpful in the upper atmosphere but causes problems when found closer to the ground in the air we breathe. Ground-level ozone is part of "smog" or haze and is most common in cities with more cars and the use of fossil fuels. It is associated with worsening respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) comes from burning fuels and is part of smog (haze). Breathing in NO2 can cause someone to develop asthma and can worsen lung disease, especially asthma.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) comes from burning fossil fuels, transportation, volcanoes, and industrial processes. It can harm plants and lungs and lead to health problems.

Carbon monoxide (CO) forms from the incomplete combustion of fuels and wood and has no smell. It can be very dangerous when it builds up inside buildings, homes, and cars.

Methane (CH4) is a gas that mostly comes from animal agriculture and is released from melting permafrost in subarctic regions. It is a major greenhouse gas, worsening the climate crisis. Methane can turn into ground-level ozone, which is harmful to human health.

Small airborne particles are called "particulate matter" or PM. The smallest particles (PM2.5) are the most dangerous as they can get deep into the lungs or even the blood. PM2.5 examples include combustion particles, compounds, metals, smoke, soot, and emissions. PM10 examples include dust, pollen, and mold.

People with asthma are at a greater risk from breathing in these small particles and irritating gases. These particles and gases irritate the airways and make asthma worse.

Air pollution can increase your risk of getting asthma or can worsen your symptoms if you already have asthma

Air pollution can increase your risk of getting asthma or worsen your symptoms if you already have it. People with asthma are at greater risk from breathing in small particles and irritating gases. These particles can irritate the airways and make asthma worse.

Ozone, a gas, is one of the most common air pollutants. It is helpful in the upper atmosphere but causes problems when it is found closer to the ground in the air we breathe. Ground-level ozone is part of "smog" or haze. It is most common in cities where there are more cars and use of fossil fuels. It is also more common in the summer when there is more sunlight, heat, and low winds. Ground-level ozone is created by chemical reactions between emissions of burning fuel emissions and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heat, and sunlight. It is associated with worsening respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ozone triggers asthma because it is very irritating to the lungs and airways.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) comes from burning fuels. It also forms from emissions from cars, trucks, other vehicles, and power plants. It is part of smog (haze). Breathing in NO2 can cause someone to develop asthma. It can worsen lung disease, especially asthma.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) comes from burning fossil fuels, transportation, volcanoes, and industrial processes. It can be found in smog or haze. SO2 can harm plants (including trees). It can harm your lungs and lead to health problems.

Carbon monoxide (CO) forms from incomplete combustion of fuels and wood. It has no smell. It can be very dangerous when it builds up inside buildings, homes, and cars.

Methane (CH4) is another gas that is part of air pollution. It mostly comes from animal agriculture and in subarctic regions where it is released from melting permafrost. Fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal) and waste (food, landfills, wastewater) also add methane to the air. Methane is 30 times more potent at trapping heat than carbon dioxide (CO2) as a major greenhouse gas that is worsening the climate crisis. Methane can turn into ground-level ozone, which is harmful to human health.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines air pollution as "any visible or invisible particle or gas found in the air that is not part of the natural composition of air."

Frequently asked questions