Air Pollution: A Slow, Silent Killer

Air pollution is caused by solid and liquid particles and certain gases that are suspended in the air. These particles and gases can come from car and truck exhaust, factories, dust, pollen, mould spores, volcanoes and wildfires. Air pollution can have a detrimental effect on our health, causing a wide range of diseases, including stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, trachea, bronchus and lung cancers, aggravated asthma and lower respiratory infections.

Respiratory issues

Air pollution is caused by solid and liquid particles and certain gases that are suspended in the air. These particles and gases can come from car and truck exhaust, factories, dust, pollen, mould spores, volcanoes and wildfires. The solid and liquid particles suspended in our air are called aerosols.

Both short-term and long-term exposure to air pollutants can cause a variety of health problems, particularly respiratory issues. For people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD/emphysema or chronic bronchitis), air pollution can make it harder to breathe, trigger asthma attacks, or cause wheezing and coughing. Air pollution can also lead to lower respiratory infections.

Air pollution can affect everyone's health. When we breathe in air pollutants, they can enter our bloodstream and contribute to coughing or itchy eyes and cause or worsen many breathing and lung diseases, leading to hospitalizations, cancer, or even premature death. Even levels of air pollution below federal standards can affect people's health.

Ozone is a gas that is a major cause of air pollution in cities. It is a greenhouse gas that can be both good and bad for our environment, depending on where it is in the Earth's atmosphere. Ozone high up in our atmosphere is beneficial as it helps block harmful energy from the Sun, called radiation. However, ground-level ozone is created when sunlight reacts with certain chemicals that come from sources of burning fossil fuels, such as factories or car exhaust, and can be harmful to our health.

Stroke

Air pollution can cause a wide range of health issues, including strokes. Both short-term and long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to a stroke.

Air pollution is caused by solid and liquid particles and certain gases that are suspended in the air. These particles and gases can come from car and truck exhaust, factories, dust, pollen, mould spores, volcanoes and wildfires. The solid and liquid particles suspended in our air are called aerosols.

When we breathe in air pollutants, they can enter our bloodstream and contribute to coughing or itchy eyes and cause or worsen many breathing and lung diseases. For people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD/emphysema or chronic bronchitis), air pollution can make it harder to breathe, trigger asthma attacks, or cause wheezing and coughing.

Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe and a major cause of premature death and disease. Latest estimates by the European Environment Agency (EEA) show that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) continues to cause the most substantial health impacts. Most Europeans live in areas, especially cities, where air pollution can reach high levels.

Cancer

Air pollution can cause lung cancer. It is estimated that nearly half of lung cancer cases in people who have never smoked are related to air pollution.

Air pollution contains a mixture of polluting particles, which can build up in the lungs and damage the DNA in cells. This can change how cells divide, which can lead to cancer. Researchers are also investigating how these tiny particles may cause inflammation in the lungs, which can also lead to cancer.

Air pollution includes outdoor and indoor air pollution, both of which can increase the risk of lung cancer. Outdoor air pollution is a mixture of tiny dust-like particles and substances in the air that have the potential to negatively impact health. These particles are known as PM2.5 and are 2.5 micrometres in diameter or smaller. They are a mix of solid particles and liquid droplets that can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.

Air pollution can also negatively impact the quality of life of people living with cancer. It can exacerbate respiratory symptoms, increase fatigue, reduce physical activity, and worsen treatment side effects. It may also interfere with cancer treatments by reducing the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs, increasing surgical complications, and potentially interacting with targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

Premature death

Air pollution is a major cause of premature death. Both short-term and long-term exposure to air pollutants can cause a variety of health problems, which can lead to hospitalisations, cancer, or even premature death. Air pollution can make it harder to breathe, trigger asthma attacks, or cause wheezing and coughing. It can also lead to more serious conditions such as stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, trachea, bronchus and lung cancers, aggravated asthma and lower respiratory infections.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided evidence of links between exposure to air pollution and type 2 diabetes, obesity, systemic inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This means that air pollution can not only cause premature death but also contribute to a lower quality of life for those living with these conditions.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is one of the most substantial causes of health impacts due to air pollution. This is often found in high levels in cities, where most Europeans live. Ground-level ozone is another major cause of air pollution, especially in urban areas. Ozone is created when sunlight reacts with certain chemicals that come from sources of burning fossil fuels, such as factories or car exhaust.

Even levels of air pollution below federal air quality standards can affect people’s health. This means that no matter where you live, you may be exposed to harmful levels of air pollution. Air pollution can come from vehicle exhaust, smoke, road dust, industrial emissions, pollen, gas-fuelled yard equipment, and chemicals we use in our homes. Therefore, it is important to take steps to reduce air pollution and protect our health.

Type 2 diabetes

Air pollution is a leading cause of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Research conducted in Delhi and Chennai, India, found that inhaling air with high amounts of PM2.5 particles led to high blood sugar levels and an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes. PM2.5 particles are 30 times thinner than a strand of hair and can enter the bloodstream when inhaled, causing several respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The particles contain sulfates, nitrates, heavy metals and black carbon that can damage the lining of blood vessels and increase blood pressure by stiffening the arteries. This can lead to atherosclerosis (the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries), heart attacks and heart failures.

A number of epidemiological studies have highlighted the adverse effects of air pollution on diabetes, including risk profiles for different exposure durations, study design types, subgroup populations, and effects of air pollution components.

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