Helena Joyce
Air pollution is a major threat to global health and prosperity, causing more than 6.5 million deaths annually worldwide. It is the presence of contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gases, mists, odours, smoke, or vapours, in quantities that can be harmful to human health. These pollutants are released from human-made and natural sources, including vehicle emissions, fuel oils, natural gases, manufacturing by-products, and power generation. Air pollution exposure has been linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, and increased risk of chronic diseases, cancers, diabetes, neurological disorders, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. It disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions, and contributes to health disparities among different communities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of deaths caused by pollution globally each year | More than 6.5 million |
| Percentage of the global population breathing air that exceeds WHO guideline limits | 99% |
| Number of deaths of children under the age of 5 caused by pollution | More than 5 million |
| Percentage of hospitalizations due to asthma higher for children in Twin Cities than in Greater Minnesota | More than 50% |
| Pollutants with the strongest evidence for public health concern | Particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) |
| Pollutants that can penetrate and lodge deep inside the lungs | Particles with a diameter of 10 microns or less (≤ PM10) |
| Pollutants that can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the blood system | Smaller particles with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less (≤ PM2.5) |
| Pollutants that increase the risk of heart and respiratory diseases, lung cancer, and strokes | PM2.5, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide |
| Pollutants that can cause or worsen asthma | Ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide |
| Pollutants that can cause lung inflammation | Nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide |
| Pollutants that can cause bronchial symptoms | Nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide |
| Diseases associated with exposure to air pollution | Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, trachea, bronchus and lung cancers, aggravated asthma, lower respiratory infections, type 2 diabetes, obesity, systemic inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, lung disease, heart disease, stroke, and cancer |
| Populations at higher risk of health problems related to air pollution | Children, elderly, pregnant women, people with lung diseases (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), people living in low-income communities, and minority populations |
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What You'll Learn
- Air pollution can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and immunosuppression
- Pollutants can enter the bloodstream and damage almost every organ
- Exposure to air pollution can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes
- Air pollution is linked to an increased risk of cancer
- Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions are more vulnerable
Air pollution can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and immunosuppression
Air pollution is defined as the presence of one or more contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gases, mist, odours, smoke, or vapours, in quantities that can be harmful to human health. The main pathway of exposure to air pollution is through the respiratory tract. Once inhaled, these pollutants can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and immunosuppression, impacting the lungs, heart, and brain, among other organs, and ultimately leading to disease.
Inflammation
The initial phase of inflammation is a protective mechanism that removes injurious stimuli and produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) capable of inducing cell death. However, this process can also amplify the inflammatory response and lead to tissue injury. Air pollution, particularly from vehicle emissions, fuel oils, and natural gas, can trigger this inflammatory cascade in the lungs, vascular system, and heart tissue.
Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between ROS formation and individual antioxidant activity. ROS are highly reactive molecules that can damage important biological molecules such as lipids, proteins, and macromolecules like DNA and RNA. This damage has been linked to various degenerative and nondegenerative diseases, including cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.
Immunosuppression
Inhaled pollutants can accumulate in macrophages in lung-associated lymph nodes over time, compromising immune surveillance and function. This accumulation of pollutants impairs the body's ability to defend against current and emerging pathogens, increasing susceptibility to diseases.
Overall, air pollution has far-reaching impacts on human health, causing inflammation, oxidative stress, and immunosuppression, which can lead to systemic damage and an increased risk of various diseases, including cancer, respiratory illnesses, and cardiovascular issues.
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Pollutants can enter the bloodstream and damage almost every organ
Air pollution is the presence of contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gases, mists, odours, smoke, and vapours. These pollutants can enter the body through the respiratory tract, causing inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells throughout the body. Fine particulate matter, such as PM2.5, with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less, poses the greatest health risks. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and circulate throughout the body, affecting almost every organ.
Once in the bloodstream, these pollutants can cause systemic inflammation and increase the risk of heart and respiratory diseases, lung cancer, and strokes. They can also aggravate existing lung diseases, trigger asthma attacks, and cause acute bronchitis. Children, the elderly, and pregnant women are more susceptible to the health impacts of air pollution. Maternal exposure to air pollution has been linked to adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight and pre-term births.
Additionally, air pollution contributes to long-term environmental damage by driving climate change, which further exacerbates health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds its guideline limits for pollutant levels. This is particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, where indoor air pollution from cooking with open fires or simple stoves also poses significant health risks.
The health effects of air pollution are wide-ranging and serious. The small size of particulate pollutants allows them to easily enter the bloodstream and travel to various organs, causing systemic damage. Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are at an increased risk of experiencing the detrimental health impacts of air pollution.
To mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution, individuals can take precautions such as avoiding exposure to pollutants, adjusting outdoor activities during periods of poor air quality, and using ventilation systems when indoors. Additionally, regulatory frameworks and interventions are crucial in reducing emission levels and improving air quality on a larger scale.
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Exposure to air pollution can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes
Exposure to air pollution can have detrimental effects on pregnancy outcomes. The fetus is particularly susceptible to environmental contaminants as it is developing and is therefore more vulnerable to their effects.
Pregnant women and their newborn infants are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution due to physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. These changes include a 20% increase in oxygen consumption, a 40-50% increase in minute ventilation, and a 40% increase in cardiac output. These changes increase the amount of inhaled and circulated pollutants, thereby increasing exposure.
Maternal exposure to air pollution is associated with adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight, pre-term birth, and small for gestational age births. The neonate is particularly vulnerable and may experience placental abruption, infant mortality, and adverse lung and respiratory effects, including effects on lung development.
Additionally, maternal exposure to air pollution has been linked to maternal hypertensive disorders and postpartum depression. There is also evidence that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can increase the risk of pregnancy loss, including stillbirth and spontaneous abortion (miscarriage).
The World Health Organization (WHO) has found that 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds its guideline limits, with low- and middle-income countries suffering the highest exposures. Increased fossil fuel usage and climate change have contributed to global increases in greenhouse gases and particulate matter, exacerbating the problem of air pollution.
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Air pollution is linked to an increased risk of cancer
Air pollution is the presence of one or more 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. The main pathway of exposure to air pollution is through the respiratory tract. Breathing in these pollutants can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells throughout the body, impacting the lungs, heart, and brain, among other organs, and ultimately leading to disease.
One of the most significant ways that air pollution harms humans is by increasing the risk of cancer. While the link between air pollution and lung cancer has been well-established, new research suggests that air pollution is also associated with an increased risk of mortality for several other types of cancer, including breast, liver, and pancreatic cancer.
A 2020 study conducted in Hong Kong and Birmingham, United Kingdom, examined the long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter, a mixture of environmental pollutants from transportation and power generation, among other sources. The study found that annual concentrations of PM2.5 were associated with an increased risk of mortality from cancer. PM2.5 refers to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, affecting all major organs of the body.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded in a 2013 review that there is sufficient evidence to state that outdoor air pollution can cause cancer in humans. This report specifically implicated PM2.5 as a carcinogen. Additionally, the Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health determined that air pollution contributes to up to 29% of all lung cancer deaths, with all forms of pollution causing 43% of lung cancer fatalities.
It is important to note that the risk of cancer from air pollution is not limited to lung cancer. Air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of mortality from various types of cancer. The mechanisms by which pollution may contribute to cancer development include DNA repair defects, alterations in the immune response, and inflammation that triggers angiogenesis, allowing tumors to spread. Furthermore, in the case of digestive organs, pollution may affect gut microbiota and influence the development of cancer.
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Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions are more vulnerable
Older adults are more vulnerable as they are more likely to have pre-existing heart or lung diseases, or diabetes, which puts them at greater risk. Diabetes is a concern as it is often accompanied by underlying cardiovascular issues. The elderly are also more susceptible to the effects of ozone, especially during the afternoon, and are more vulnerable to the negative impacts of indoor air pollution, such as that caused by wood smoke, which can contain harmful chemicals and particles.
Those with pre-existing health conditions are at greater risk due to the compounding nature of pollution. For instance, people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can experience worsened symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Air pollution can also trigger asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and increase the risk of respiratory infections.
Additionally, individuals with underlying cardiovascular issues are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, which can lead to cardiac problems, including an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
It is important to note that low-income communities and minority populations are disproportionately exposed to air pollution and are more vulnerable to its adverse health impacts. This is due to various factors, including the proximity of their residences to major roadways, industrial areas, or other sources of pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution is the presence of one or more 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.
Air pollution can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in human cells, impacting almost every organ in the body. It increases the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and other serious illnesses. It is also linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, diabetes, cognitive impairment, neurological diseases, and various types of cancer.
Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions are more susceptible to the health impacts of air pollution. People with lung diseases, such as asthma, and low-income communities are also at higher risk.
People can reduce their exposure to air pollution by avoiding areas with poor air quality, such as busy roadways, and limiting outdoor activities when air pollution levels are high. Keeping windows closed when in traffic and using air filtration systems can also help.
