Bronte Wells
Air pollution is the presence of contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gas, mist, odour, smoke or vapour, in quantities and durations that can be harmful to human health. Almost every organ in the body can be impacted by air pollution, with pollutants entering the bloodstream via the lungs and travelling throughout the body, leading to systemic inflammation and carcinogenicity. Air pollution is a major cause of premature death and disease, with the latest estimates showing that fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) causes the most substantial health impacts. This is especially true in low- and middle-income countries, where polluting fuels and technologies are used every day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health Risks | All-cause mortality, stroke, ischaemic heart disease, cardiac problems, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, trachea, bronchus, and lung cancers, cataracts, diabetes, obesity, systemic inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other cancers |
| Sensitive Groups | Older people, children, those with pre-existing health conditions, women, and those with lower socio-economic status |
| Pollutants | Particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radon, smoke, lead dust, benzene, formaldehyde, and other biological pollutants |
| Sources | Vehicle exhaust, wood smoke, tobacco smoke, industrial emissions, cooking fires, and outdoor sources such as pollen, sea spray, and wind-blown dust |
| Effects on the Body | Inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, respiratory issues, and adverse pregnancy outcomes |
| Prevention | Reducing emissions, avoiding exposure to pollutants, and implementing stricter air quality standards |
What You'll Learn
Air pollution can cause respiratory issues
Air pollution is the presence of contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gas, mist, odour, smoke or vapour. These pollutants are harmful to human health, and the main pathway of exposure is through the respiratory tract.
Children are more susceptible to the respiratory effects of air pollution than adults, as their lungs are still developing, and they breathe faster, taking in more polluted air. Exposure to air pollution during childhood increases the risk of developing asthma and COPD in adulthood. Older people are also more vulnerable to the respiratory effects of air pollution, especially if they have pre-existing lung conditions or heart disease.
Some sources of air pollution that can lead to respiratory issues include wood smoke, vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and industrial emissions. Exposure to diesel exhaust, for example, has been linked to asthma attacks, heart attacks, lung cancer, and strokes. Wildfire smoke is another source of air pollution that can cause severe respiratory issues, and has been associated with more severe cases of COVID-19 and increased mortality.
Overall, air pollution poses a significant risk to respiratory health, and it is important for individuals to minimise their exposure to pollutants and for communities to work towards reducing emissions and improving air quality.
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It increases the risk of cancer
Air pollution is a pressing issue that poses significant risks to human health. Among its various adverse effects, one of the most concerning is its link to an increased risk of cancer. While smoking remains a more significant contributor to lung cancer cases, air pollution is a key factor that cannot be overlooked.
Outdoor air pollution is a major concern, with fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, posing the greatest danger. These tiny airborne particles, measuring 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter, can infiltrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. This particulate matter includes soil, dust, soot, and smoke, originating from sources such as coal-fired plants, natural gas combustion, automobiles, agriculture, wildfires, and construction sites. In the UK, outdoor air pollution is responsible for approximately one in ten cases of lung cancer, and it is estimated that nearly half of lung cancer cases in non-smokers are linked to air pollution.
Indoor air pollution, although often overlooked, also plays a significant role in increasing the risk of cancer. Secondhand smoke from tobacco products, burning wood or coal for heating or cooking, and the presence of radon, smoke, and lead dust contribute to indoor air pollution. Radon, in particular, is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
The harmful effects of air pollution extend beyond the respiratory system. Studies have suggested a link between air pollution and an increased risk of various cancer types, including breast, liver, and pancreatic cancer. Additionally, air pollution has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, cognitive impairment, neurological diseases, and other cancers.
The impact of air pollution on cancer risk is not limited to direct exposure. It can also interfere with cancer treatments, reducing the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs and increasing surgical complications. Furthermore, air pollution affects everyone, but certain individuals, such as those with heart and lung diseases, children, and the elderly, are more vulnerable to its harmful effects.
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It can impact brain development
Air pollution can have a significant impact on brain development, particularly in children and adolescents. Research has shown that exposure to air pollution can lead to changes in brain connectivity and function, even at levels previously considered safe.
One study found that children exposed to higher levels of pollutants showed alterations in the connectivity between different regions of the brain. Some areas had more connections than usual, while others had fewer. These deviations from the normal trajectory of brain development can have potential long-term effects, as communication between brain regions is crucial for cognitive and emotional development.
The human brain contains receptors specific to certain proteins, such as Il-1 β, IL-6, and TNF-α. These proteins can cross the blood-brain barrier and access developing regions of the brain. Once inside the brain, these inflammatory molecules can promote inflammation and impair the ability of neurons to communicate effectively. This can lead to cognitive deficits and potentially contribute to neurodegenerative changes.
Additionally, air pollution has been linked to increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the nervous system. Fine and ultrafine particulate matter can directly access the central nervous system, leading to adverse effects on the developing brain. There is also emerging evidence suggesting a link between perinatal exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder.
Furthermore, prenatal exposure to air pollutants has been associated with the development of attentional deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. In-utero exposure to indoor air pollution or tobacco smoke has also been linked to cognitive development issues. These findings highlight the importance of protecting children from the potential neurocognitive effects of air pollution and the need for multidisciplinary interventions to safeguard their developing brains.
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It can cause heart problems
Air pollution can have detrimental effects on human health, impacting almost every organ in the body. One of the most pressing concerns is its ability to cause heart problems, including cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, and abnormal heart rhythms.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a significant risk associated with air pollution exposure. Short-term exposure to fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and nitrogen dioxide can increase the risk of hypertension, myocardial infarction (heart attack), and stroke. Long-term exposure to these pollutants is even more concerning, as it has been linked to a higher risk of atherosclerosis, incident myocardial infarction, hypertension, and stroke mortality. These long-term exposures contribute to all-cause CVD mortality and morbidity, with vulnerable populations such as the elderly, cardiac patients, and those with higher weight statuses facing greater risks.
The impact of air pollution on the heart is due to the ability of fine particulate matter to enter the bloodstream through the lungs. These particles can then travel to and accumulate in the heart, causing systemic damage to tissues and cells. This accumulation leads to oxidative stress and inflammation, which are foundational for the development of chronic diseases. The resulting systemic inflammation can affect the circulatory system and its vasculature, increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues.
Additionally, air pollution can exacerbate existing heart conditions. For individuals with heart failure, air pollution further reduces the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. This can lead to reduced cardiac output and decreased oxygen delivery to vital organs and tissues, potentially causing serious health complications.
To mitigate these risks, it is essential to minimize exposure to air pollutants. This includes avoiding wood smoke, vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and other sources of airborne particles. By taking proactive measures to reduce air pollution exposure, individuals can lower their risk of developing heart problems and improve their overall cardiovascular health.
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It can lead to premature births and low birth weight
Air pollution 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. Research has shown that air pollution can have adverse effects on both physical and mental health.
One of the most vulnerable groups affected by air pollution is pregnant women and their babies. Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of premature births and low birth weight.
A study in Guangdong, China, found a strong association between air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3) and preterm birth/low birth weight. The study analysed maternal and birth data from 2014 to 2015, with a total of 1784 women in the experimental group who had either preterm birth or low birth weight information. The control group included 1766 women with healthy birth information. The results showed that exposure to these air pollutants during pregnancy increased the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
Another study by Ghosh and colleagues analysed 108 research papers on indoor and outdoor pollution and their correlation with pregnancy risks in 204 countries. They found that air pollution was a leading cause of low birth weight and premature birth, even after controlling for risk factors such as pregnancy weight, smoking, alcohol use, and nutrition. The study estimated that air pollution contributed to up to 6 million premature births and 3 million underweight babies worldwide each year, with indoor pollution from cooking stoves burning solid fuel being a significant contributor.
Minimising exposure to air pollution during pregnancy is crucial for reducing these risks. Household pollution, such as that from cooking stoves, can have a particularly high impact on pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, it is essential for expectant mothers to be aware of the potential hazards of air pollution and take steps to reduce their exposure, especially during prenatal care.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution can affect us in a variety of ways, depending on the types, sources, and concentrations of the pollutants. Some common air pollutants include particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulphur dioxide (SO2). These pollutants can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma and lung diseases, as well as cardiovascular issues and even cancer.
There are many sources of air pollution, including indoor and outdoor sources. Indoor sources include radon, smoke, lead dust, carbon monoxide from faulty furnaces, and volatile organic compounds from paint. Outdoor sources include wood smoke, vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and industrial emissions. Wildfires and the use of polluting fuels and technologies in low- and middle-income countries are also significant contributors to air pollution.
To protect ourselves from air pollution, it is important to minimise exposure to pollutants. This can include avoiding wood smoke, vehicle exhaust, and tobacco smoke, as well as reducing time spent outdoors near busy roadways or on days when the air quality is poor. It is also important to address indoor air pollution by ensuring proper ventilation and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals.
