Air Pollution's Impact: Diseases And Disorders

Air pollution is a major threat to global health and prosperity, causing more than 6.5 million deaths each year worldwide. It is the presence of contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gas, mist, odour, smoke or vapour, in quantities that can be harmful to human health. The main pathway of exposure is through the respiratory tract, but some pollutants can also enter the bloodstream and travel to organs, causing systemic damage. This can lead to a wide range of diseases, including stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, trachea, bronchus and lung cancers, aggravated asthma, lower respiratory infections, diabetes, obesity, neurological development issues, and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, air pollution is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in human cells, which may lay the foundation for chronic diseases and cancer.

Air pollution is linked to an increased risk of cancer, including lung cancer

Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources. It is a major threat to global health, causing more than 6.5 million deaths each year worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the world's population breathes unhealthy air.

Long-term exposure to PM2.5 can lead to oxidative stress, inflammation, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation in human bronchial epithelial cells. This promotes lung cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Studies have shown that the mortality risk from lung cancer caused by PM2.5 is significantly higher in women than in men. Additionally, PM2.5 can cause systemic inflammation as it penetrates deep into the lungs, enters the bloodstream, and travels to other organs, causing damage to tissues and cells.

The number of lung cancer deaths attributed to air pollution has been increasing. As smoking-related lung cancers decrease due to declining smoking rates, the proportion of lung cancers in non-smokers is rising. According to the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, the number of lung cancer deaths linked to air pollution increased by nearly 30% between 2007 and 2023. This trend underscores the significant impact of air pollution on lung cancer risk.

In addition to lung cancer, air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of other types of cancer, including breast, liver, and pancreatic cancer. For instance, a study of over 57,000 women found that living near major roadways may increase the risk of breast cancer. Furthermore, occupational exposure to benzene, an industrial chemical, is linked to leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Thus, air pollution's impact extends beyond lung cancer, contributing to a broader range of cancer risks.

Respiratory diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, and COPD, can be triggered or worsened by air pollution

Air pollution is a significant risk factor for various diseases and health issues. While air pollution is linked to several adverse health outcomes, respiratory diseases are of particular concern. Respiratory diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, and COPD, can be triggered or worsened by air pollution.

Asthma is a condition that affects the airways, causing them to become inflamed and narrow, leading to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter, can aggravate asthma and trigger asthma attacks. Short-term exposure to high levels of particulate matter can have immediate impacts on asthma symptoms.

Bronchitis, especially chronic bronchitis, has also been linked to air pollution. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by a persistent cough and sputum production over an extended period. While the evidence is still being consolidated, studies have found associations between air pollution and the incidence and prevalence of chronic bronchitis. For example, higher concentrations of NO2 and BC in the north of the Netherlands were linked to increased odds of prevalent and incident chronic bronchitis.

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive and debilitating respiratory disease. It is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation due to abnormalities in the airways and alveoli. Air pollution is recognized as an important modulator of COPD morbidity and mortality. While cigarette smoking is the main risk factor, air pollution, particularly early in life, is considered a potential contributor to the development of COPD.

Overall, air pollution poses a significant threat to respiratory health, and its impact on asthma, bronchitis, and COPD highlights the importance of improving air quality to protect public health. These respiratory diseases can be triggered or exacerbated by exposure to air pollutants, leading to adverse health outcomes and reduced quality of life. Therefore, addressing air pollution and implementing preventive strategies are crucial to mitigate the impact on respiratory health.

Air pollution can cause neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's

Air pollution is a complex mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources. Vehicle emissions, fuel oils, natural gas, manufacturing by-products, and power generation are some of the primary sources of human-made air pollution. On the other hand, nature releases smoke from wildfires, ash and gases from volcanic eruptions, and methane from decomposing organic matter.

The impact of air pollution on respiratory and cardiovascular health is well-documented, but its effects on neurological and cognitive disorders are an emerging area of concern. Several studies have found a significant link between air pollution and neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

The intricate mechanisms by which air pollutants contribute to neurological pathologies are being actively explored. Particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the key pollutants that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and trigger oxidative stress. This oxidative stress initiates an immune response that can harm cellular structures, playing a pivotal role in the development of neurodegenerative disorders.

The impact of these pollutants on brain functions is significant. They have been linked to neuron development issues, memory problems, and learning difficulties. Furthermore, exposure to fine particulate matter, specifically PM2.5, has been strongly associated with increased markers of oxidative stress, microglial activation in the brain, and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines.

A long-term study of over 63 million older U.S. adults found a 13% increased risk of first-time hospital admissions for both Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases with every 5 µg/m3 increase in annual PM2.5 concentrations. This risk persisted even below the supposedly safe levels of PM2.5 exposure, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter standards and policies to improve air quality.

Exposure to air pollution is associated with metabolic dysfunction, fatty liver disease, and diabetes

Air pollution is a major threat to global health and prosperity, causing more than 6.5 million deaths each year worldwide. It is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources. Human-made sources include vehicle emissions, fuel oils, natural gas for heating, manufacturing by-products, power generation, and chemical production. On the other hand, natural sources of air pollution include smoke from wildfires, ash and gases from volcanic eruptions, and gases like methane emitted from decomposing organic matter.

Fine particulate matter, such as PM2.5, is an important source of health risks. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and travel to organs, causing systemic damage to tissues and cells. Short-term exposure to air pollutants can lead to respiratory infections and aggravated asthma, while long-term exposure increases the risk for noncommunicable diseases like stroke and heart disease.

In addition to the well-known respiratory and cardiovascular impacts, exposure to air pollution is associated with metabolic dysfunction, fatty liver disease, and diabetes. Several studies have found a link between long-term exposure to air pollution and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). This association was observed in a large-scale epidemiological study of approximately 90,000 adults in China, where MAFLD was assessed through radiologically diagnosed hepatic steatosis and the presence of metabolic dysregulation or diabetes mellitus. The study found that long-term exposure to ambient air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter like PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), increased the odds of developing MAFLD.

The effects of air pollution on metabolic dysfunction and fatty liver disease may be influenced by lifestyle factors. Individuals with unhealthy habits, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, a high-fat diet, and central obesity, may be at an even higher risk of developing MAFLD when exposed to air pollution. These findings highlight the importance of addressing air pollution and promoting healthy lifestyles through public health initiatives and legislative measures.

Additionally, air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes. Studies have suggested an association between air pollution exposure and diabetes, with a particular impact on pregnant women and neurological development in children. Furthermore, air pollution contributes to respiratory diseases, cancer, and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as low birth weight and pre-term births. Overall, the evidence indicates that exposure to air pollution has far-reaching consequences for human health, including metabolic dysfunction, fatty liver disease, and diabetes.

Skin diseases, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne, can be triggered or exacerbated by air pollution

Air pollution is a major global health concern, causing more than 6.5 million deaths annually worldwide. It is a complex mix of hazardous substances, both natural and human-made, that modifies the natural characteristics of the Earth's atmosphere.

The skin is the body's first line of defence against the outside world, acting as a physical, chemical, and immunological barrier. However, when exposed to air pollutants, the skin's barrier function can be impaired, leading to the development of various skin diseases.

In addition to these specific conditions, air pollution can also contribute to skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiation, a major air pollutant, causes photoaging, leading to the deterioration of the structure and function of skin cells. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, when combined with ultraviolet radiation, significantly increase visible photodamage to the skin. Smoking, which contributes to air pollution, has also been associated with skin malignancy and an increased risk of skin cancer.

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