Air Pollution's Harmful Short-Term Effects On Our Health

Air pollution is a major global health hazard, causing millions of deaths each year. It is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources. Two short-term health effects of air pollution are an increased risk of respiratory infections and eye irritation. For example, a rise in air pollutants can increase the risk of respiratory infections in children, leading to more school absences. Additionally, air pollution can cause eye irritation, with pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in traffic exhaust and wildfire smoke linked to eye irritation.

Increased hospitalisations

Air pollution is a major threat to global health, causing more than 6.5 million deaths each year. It is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources, such as vehicle emissions, fuel oils, and fumes from chemicals. The effects of air pollution on human health are wide-ranging and severe, with short-term impacts including respiratory issues and increased hospitalisations.

Particulate matter, especially PM2.5, has been identified as a significant contributor to hospitalisations. Exposure to PM2.5 can impair blood vessel function and accelerate arterial calcification, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. Additionally, PM2.5 exposure has been linked to an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke in post-menopausal women.

Wildfires, which contribute to air pollution, can also lead to increased hospitalisations. The smoke from wildfires can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, reduced lung function, asthma exacerbation, and even heart failure. Vulnerable populations, such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly, are particularly susceptible to the health impacts of wildfire smoke, resulting in higher hospitalisation rates.

Furthermore, air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, including lung, breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers. Living near major roadways or in areas with high pollution levels can elevate the risk of developing these cancers.

Respiratory issues

Air pollution is a major threat to global health, causing more than 6.5 million deaths each year. It is a 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 human-made sources.

Increased Respiratory Infections

Air pollution has been associated with a higher incidence of respiratory infections, particularly in children. Higher levels of air pollution increase short-term respiratory infections, leading to more school absences. Additionally, children exposed to high levels of air pollutants are more likely to develop bronchitis symptoms in adulthood.

Asthma

Air pollution plays a crucial role in the development, prevalence, and exacerbation of asthma. Children who play outdoor sports, live in high-ozone communities, or reside near busy roads have an increased risk of developing asthma. Additionally, people with existing asthma are more susceptible to attacks when exposed to air pollutants, especially ozone (O3) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Even brief exposure to SO2 can trigger bronchospasm, resulting in wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Air pollution is a significant risk factor for the development and exacerbation of COPD. Individuals with COPD experience more emergency room visits, hospital admissions, and, in some cases, death when exposed to particle pollution. Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), can aggravate inflammation in the airways and lungs, further impairing pulmonary function in COPD patients.

Decreased Lung Function

Air pollution has been linked to a decrease in lung function, especially in children and older adults. Exposure to particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide can hinder lung development in children, leading to potential cognitive and emotional problems later in life. Additionally, high levels of ozone (O3) can reduce lung capacity, making breathing uncomfortable.

Other Respiratory Issues

Air pollution has also been associated with a range of other respiratory problems, including bronchial hyperreactivity, acute phase reactions, increased hospitalizations, and premature mortality in people with chronic lung diseases. Wildfire smoke, for instance, can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, reduced lung function, and exacerbation of asthma and heart failure.

Cardiovascular issues

Research has shown that air pollution can exacerbate existing cardiovascular disease and contribute to the development of the disease. Outdoor particle pollution, in particular, has been strongly linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which includes particles with diameters of less than 2.5 µm, is of significant concern. Exposure to increased concentrations of PM2.5 over a short period of time, ranging from a few hours to weeks, can trigger cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and even death. For instance, a U.S. study found that a short-term increase of 1 ppm of carbon monoxide (CO) in the air was associated with a 3.52% increase in the risk of hospitalization or death due to heart failure. Another study estimated that reducing PM2.5 concentrations by 1 μg/m3 could reduce out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) events by 8%, while a 3 μg/m3 reduction could decrease these events by 30%.

The mechanisms by which air pollution affects cardiovascular health are complex. Particle inhalation can cause oxidative stress and chronic inflammatory responses in the cardiopulmonary organs, which can then spread to the circulatory system and other organ systems. This inflammation can activate various pathways in the body, leading to hypertension, atherothrombosis, altered glucose metabolism, and plaque instability. These issues can result in adverse cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction (heart attack), arrhythmias, and heart failure.

It is important to note that certain populations are more vulnerable to the cardiovascular effects of air pollution. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions are at a higher risk of adverse outcomes. Additionally, people living in low-socioeconomic areas, including low- and middle-income countries, may be more vulnerable due to various factors, including proximity to major roadways and polluting facilities.

Eye irritation

Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources. It is a major threat to global health and prosperity, causing more than 6.5 million deaths each year worldwide.

One of the short-term effects of air pollution is eye irritation. Airborne pollutants can disrupt the tear film that keeps the eyes lubricated, leading to dryness and irritation. Some of the common symptoms of this type of eye irritation include a gritty or burning sensation in the eyes, blurred vision, redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light.

In areas with severe air pollution, such as Delhi, it is important to take extra precautions to protect your eyes from various kinds of pollutants. Here are some ways to safeguard your eyes:

• Wear protective eyeglasses when stepping out to minimize exposure to pollution-causing agents.
• Wash your hands often and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, as this can introduce more allergens or pollutants and irritate them further.
• Stay hydrated by drinking eight to ten glasses of water to aid in tear formation and keep your eyes moist.
• Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other antioxidants into your diet to support eye health and combat oxidative stress caused by pollution.
• If you work on a computer or use screens for extended periods, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
• Use a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air, especially in dry indoor environments, to prevent your eyes from becoming dry and irritated.
• Visit an eye care specialist regularly to detect any potential problems early and receive personalized advice on protecting your eyes.

By following these precautions, you can help reduce the impact of air pollution on your eye health and alleviate any discomfort caused by eye irritation.

Lung damage

Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources. It is a major threat to global health and prosperity, causing more than 6.5 million deaths each year worldwide. Air pollution can affect all parts of our bodies, including the health of our lungs, heart, and brain.

Children are more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution than adults because 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 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as an adult. Communities with higher pollution levels, particularly those with major roadways or industrial areas, can cause lung damage, especially in children.

In addition to the immediate health risks, air pollution also poses long-term dangers to lung health. Long-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of developing lung cancer and COPD. Studies have found that transitioning to clean energy sources, such as wind and solar power, can help reduce lung-damaging air pollution and improve overall lung health.

Overall, lung damage is a significant short-term effect of air pollution, and it is important to minimize exposure to polluted air and reduce air pollution through policy changes and the adoption of clean energy sources.

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