Greta Jimenez
Air pollution is a pressing issue that poses serious health risks, particularly to the lungs. It comprises a complex mixture of natural and man-made pollutants, with particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and sulphur dioxide being the most damaging types. These pollutants can irritate the airways, causing shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing, and even triggering asthma attacks. Prolonged exposure to air pollution is linked to an increased risk of developing lung conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Certain groups, including children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with pre-existing lung conditions, are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution on the lungs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Short-term exposure | Cardiovascular events, hospitalization, mortality |
| Long-term exposure | Strokes, coronary heart disease, premature death, lung cancer, asthma, COPD, pneumonia, bronchitis |
| Impact on children | Higher likelihood of developing asthma, slowed lung function growth, increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, higher likelihood of getting lung cancer, higher likelihood of developing diabetes, neurological effects |
| Impact on pregnant people | Increased risk of hypertensive disorders, intrauterine inflammation, damage to the placenta, premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirth |
| Impact on older adults | Worsening of COPD, increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, increased risk of pneumonia and other serious illnesses |
What You'll Learn
Air pollution can cause lung cancer
The World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that particulate matter causes lung cancer. In China, an 8-year-old girl was diagnosed with lung cancer, which her doctor attributed to air pollution. Levels of exposure to air pollution have increased significantly in some parts of the world, particularly in low- and middle-income countries with large populations. While smoking is a much bigger risk factor for lung cancer, air pollution also plays a significant role. Outdoor air pollution causes roughly 1 in 10 cases of lung cancer in the UK, and even lower levels of particle pollution have been linked to lung cancer in the US.
Certain groups are more vulnerable to the health effects of air pollution, including children, the elderly, people with lung and heart disease, people with diabetes, those with low incomes, and people who work or exercise outdoors. Exposure to air pollution can irritate the airways and lungs, causing shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, asthma flare-ups, and chest pain. It can also increase the risk of developing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
To reduce the risk of developing lung cancer and other respiratory issues, individuals can check the air quality index forecast and limit their activity if pollution levels are high. Additionally, avoiding exercising along heavily traveled highways and not burning wood or trash can help lower local pollution sources.
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It can trigger asthma attacks
Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, and people with asthma are at a greater risk from breathing in small particles and irritating gases. These pollutants irritate the airways and make asthma worse.
Ozone, a gas, is one of the most common air pollutants. Ground-level ozone is part of "smog" or haze and is most common in cities where there are more cars and the 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 and is also emitted from cars, trucks, and power plants. 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 and lungs and lead to health problems. When levels of SO2 are high, more people with asthma are admitted to the hospital with asthma attacks.
Particulate matter (PM) is a complex heterogeneous mixture of dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets from both natural and man-made sources. PM penetrates deeply into the lungs and increases the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, exacerbating bronchitis and other lung diseases. The smallest particles (PM2.5) are the most dangerous. They can get deep into the lungs or even your blood.
People with asthma are advised to limit their time outdoors, especially from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., on days when air quality is poor. It is also recommended to stay in a well-ventilated, preferably air-conditioned, building.
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It can cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest pain
Air pollution can cause a range of adverse effects on the lungs, including shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest pain. These issues can arise from both short-term and long-term exposure to polluted air.
Shortness of breath can occur when pollutants in the air irritate the airways and lungs, making it difficult to breathe deeply. This is a common issue for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions, as air pollution can act as a trigger, causing flare-ups and exacerbating existing symptoms.
Coughing can also be triggered by air pollution, which can irritate the airways and lungs, leading to a persistent cough with or without mucus. This can be particularly problematic for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as it can further compromise their lung function and overall health.
Wheezing is another common symptom associated with air pollution exposure. It is characterized by a whistling or rattling sound during breathing and is often indicative of airway obstruction or inflammation. Similar to the effects on coughing and shortness of breath, air pollution can trigger or worsen wheezing in individuals with respiratory conditions, making it difficult for them to breathe easily.
Chest pain is also a possible consequence of air pollution exposure. The irritation and inflammation caused by pollutants can lead to chest discomfort, tightness, and pain. This can be a frightening experience for those affected and may require medical attention.
These issues highlight the significant impact of air pollution on lung health. While everyone is susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution, certain individuals are at a higher risk, including those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD. It is crucial to take steps to minimize exposure to air pollution, such as staying indoors when pollution levels are high, limiting outdoor exercise, and following local air quality advisories. Additionally, addressing air pollution at its sources through local, state, and national policy changes is essential to protect the lung health of the general population.
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It increases the risk of respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia
Poor air quality can increase the risk of respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways in the lungs, causing coughing, usually with mucus production. It can be acute, or short-term, but it can become chronic, or long-term. Chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
A 2021 study found a link between air pollution and chronic bronchitis. The study discovered a significant association between nitrogen dioxide, black carbon, and the symptoms of coughing and mucus production. Both nitrogen dioxide and black carbon are byproducts of burning fossil fuels, such as car engines and coal.
The study also found that exposure to these substances increased the incidence and prevalence of chronic bronchitis. This means that not only did exposure to these pollutants cause new cases of chronic bronchitis, but it also made the condition more common overall.
In addition to nitrogen dioxide and black carbon, other pollutants have been linked to an increased risk of bronchitis. These include cigarette smoke, e-cigarettes, and secondhand smoke. Occupational chemicals and gases, such as those found in coal mining, concrete manufacturing, and tunnel work, have also been identified as risk factors.
Air pollution may also negatively impact the immune system, increasing the risk of lung infections. This means that even if air pollution does not directly cause bronchitis, it can make people more susceptible to developing the condition.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammatory disease affecting the lung, characterised by an accumulation of fluid in the alveolus, resulting in the obstruction of normal breathing. It is predominantly caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Exposure to air pollution increases the risk of developing pneumonia, particularly in children. Pollutants compromise the immune response in the respiratory tract, making it harder for the body to fight off invading pathogens.
Indoor air pollution, such as that caused by solid fuel use, has been found to significantly increase the risk of pneumonia in children. This is especially true in low- and middle-income countries, where solid fuel use is more common.
However, it is important to note that the relationship between indoor air pollution and pneumonia is complex. Some studies have found that interventions providing improved cookstoves or chimneys did not reduce the risk of pneumonia in children. This suggests that simply reducing exposure to indoor air pollution may not be enough to prevent pneumonia, and that other factors, such as the specific components of indoor air pollution, may play a more significant role.
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It can lead to inflammation and changes in lung function
Exposure to air pollution can lead to inflammation and changes in lung function. Air pollution can cause irritation to the airways and lungs, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Certain pollutants, such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and sulphur dioxide, are particularly harmful and can reach deep into the lungs. These pollutants can cause inflammation and affect lung function, even in otherwise healthy individuals.
Studies have shown that short-term exposure to air pollutants can lead to a decrease in lung function, even in nonsmoking adults. For example, a study by Rice et al. found that short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone, and nitrogen dioxide was associated with lower lung capacity. Similar findings were reported by Mölter et al., who found that lifetime exposure to larger particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide may also lead to reduced lung function in children.
Long-term exposure to air pollution has also been linked to changes in lung function. A longitudinal cohort study showed that long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide and PM10 was associated with decreased lung function parameters. Additionally, studies of Chinese schoolchildren found that long-term exposure to ambient air pollution was associated with adverse effects such as wheezing, coughing, and phlegm, further supporting the link between air pollution and changes in lung function.
Air pollution is also a concern for individuals with pre-existing lung conditions. For those with asthma, air pollution can act as a trigger, leading to asthma attacks and exacerbations. Hospital admissions for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-ups are higher when pollution levels are high. Poor air quality can also increase the risk of developing asthma, especially in children. Prolonged exposure to air pollution during childhood can increase the risk of developing asthma, with one study suggesting that exposure to traffic-related air pollution containing PM2.5 is associated with an increased incidence of asthma up to the age of 12.
In addition to the respiratory system, air pollution can also affect other systems in the body, including the heart and brain. Exposure to outdoor air pollution is a risk factor for cardiopulmonary mortality, contributing to approximately 3.2 million deaths per year worldwide. It is essential to address air pollution through local, national, and global efforts to protect respiratory health and reduce the burden of respiratory diseases.
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Frequently asked questions
Short-term exposure to air pollution can cause coughing, wheezing, asthma flare-ups, and chest pain. It can also trigger hospital admissions for people with lung conditions.
Long-term exposure to air pollution can cause lung conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. It can also increase the risk of lung infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.
Children are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution than adults because their lungs are still developing and they breathe faster, inhaling more polluted air. Exposure to air pollution during childhood increases the risk of developing asthma and COPD later in life.
Older adults are at increased risk of harm from air pollution. As people age, their lung function decreases, and exposure to air pollution can worsen this. Older adults are also more likely to have pre-existing lung or heart conditions, which may be exacerbated by air pollution.
