Meghan Hodges
Air pollution is a major environmental health hazard and is responsible for millions of deaths each year. It is caused by 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. These pollutants can enter our bodies through the respiratory tract and contribute to coughing, itchy eyes, and cause or worsen many breathing and lung diseases. Air pollution has been linked to a variety of diseases, including respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, neurological disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney diseases, and skin diseases. It can also lead to metabolic dysfunction and increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The health impacts of air pollution depend on the types, sources, and concentrations of pollutants, and vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and low-income communities may be disproportionately affected.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of deaths caused by pollution | 6.5 million deaths each year globally |
| Types of pollution | Air pollution, contaminated soil, water pollution, indoor pollution |
| Diseases caused by air pollution | Respiratory problems, heart disease, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, Parkinson's disease, osteoporosis, fatty liver disease, eczema, psoriasis, acne, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney diseases, metabolic dysfunction, stroke, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, cognitive impairment, neurological diseases, Alzheimer's disease, dementia |
| Diseases caused by water pollution | Diarrheal illness, malnutrition, skin infections, organ damage |
| Diseases caused by contaminated soil | N/A |
| Risk factors | Age, location, underlying health, income level, ethnicity, genetics |
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What You'll Learn
Cancer
According to the Lancet Commission on pollution and health, all forms of pollution cause 43% of lung cancer deaths, with air pollution alone causing up to 29% of these deaths. Outdoor air pollution is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease, with emissions from major sources such as industry, power generation, transportation, and domestic burning exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) health-based air quality guidelines.
The adverse effects of air pollution on cancer are comparable to those caused by smoking tobacco. Fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of developing cancer. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has been associated with an increased risk of mortality for several types of cancer, including lung, breast, liver, and pancreatic cancer.
In addition to outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution can also increase the risk of cancer. Tobacco smoke contains over 200 known poisons and at least 60 chemicals that can cause cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and indoor air pollution from sources such as vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions can further contribute to cancer risk.
While pollution is a significant risk factor for cancer, it is important to note that other factors, such as diet and exercise, may also play a more significant role in cancer development.
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Respiratory infections
Air pollution is a major threat to global health and prosperity. It is responsible for millions of deaths each year, and this number is only increasing as industrialization and urbanization continue to rise. Air pollution is associated with a broad spectrum of acute and chronic illnesses, including respiratory infections.
The relationship between air pollution and respiratory infections is a well-established area of research. Studies have focused on the impact of criteria air pollutants (O3, CO, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and Pb) on pneumonia and other respiratory infections. These pollutants can carry microorganisms, which, when inhaled, can contribute to the onset and exacerbation of respiratory infections. Additionally, air pollution can impair the immune system's ability to clear infections, making individuals more susceptible to infection and increasing the severity of respiratory infections.
The health effects of air pollution are not limited to respiratory infections. It can also induce and aggravate chronic cardiopulmonary diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological disorders, skin diseases, and even cancer. Certain populations are more vulnerable to the adverse health impacts of air pollution, including low-income communities, minority populations, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
To mitigate the health risks associated with air pollution, it is essential to implement public health measures and improve air quality. Research plays a crucial role in understanding the mechanisms driving the adverse health effects of air pollution, which can inform intervention strategies to protect public health.
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Gastrointestinal issues
Environmental pollution, including air pollution and water pollution, has been linked to several gastrointestinal issues. Pollutants can enter the digestive system through contaminated food and water sources, disrupting the gut microbiota balance and causing digestive problems.
Air pollution, for instance, has been associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal disorders. Fine particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are some of the pollutants that can be inhaled and lead to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, disrupting its normal functioning. This can trigger stress responses in the digestive system, leading to various digestive diseases.
Several studies have found a correlation between air pollution and the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD includes conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, both lifelong illnesses with no known cure. Research has also shown that individuals living in highly polluted areas have a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and food intolerances.
Water pollution is another significant concern for gastrointestinal health. Contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial pathogens can enter water supplies, posing a threat to human health. Consuming contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal infections, diarrhea, and chronic diseases like liver damage and colon cancer.
Additionally, exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of metabolic dysfunction-linked fatty liver disease. This involves the accumulation of fat in the liver, which can lead to inflammation and scarring.
Overall, environmental pollution, including air and water pollution, has been associated with a range of gastrointestinal issues, from digestive disorders to chronic diseases. These issues can have serious health implications, highlighting the importance of mitigating pollution's impact on gastrointestinal health.
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Kidney disease
Air pollution has been linked to several kidney diseases. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition that can lead to kidney failure. It is caused by the accumulation of toxins in the body, including those from air pollution. Heavy metals, air pollutants, phthalate, and melamine can potentially increase the risk of CKD or accelerate its progression.
A study from the St. Louis VA Medical Center looked at 2.5 million veterans who did not have kidney disease when screened in 2003 and 2004. The study found that for every increase in pollution of 10 micrograms per cubic meter of air, there was a 25 to 37% increase in the number of veterans with new kidney disease, a 36% increase in rapid loss of kidney function, and a 31% increase in risk of kidney failure followed by dialysis. The study also estimated that pollution could have caused about 45,000 new cases of CKD and 2,438 patients starting dialysis during the time of the study.
Additionally, smoking and second-hand smoke increase the risk of kidney disease. Exposure to tobacco smoke has been linked to kidney and heart disease. Smoking also increases the risk of bladder and kidney cancer. Cadmium exposure, which is often found in cigarette smoke and certain foods, has also been linked to kidney disease. Mercury and lead exposure from food, water, or industry have all been associated with an increased risk of CKD.
While the exact mechanisms by which pollution contributes to kidney disease are not fully understood, it is clear that there is a connection between the two. More research is needed to establish causal relationships and dose-response associations between exposure to environmental pollutants and kidney disease.
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Neurological disorders
Air pollution has been linked to a range of neurological disorders, with recent studies highlighting the complex relationship between air pollution and neurological diseases. While the detrimental effects of air pollution on respiratory and cardiovascular health are well-known, its impact on neurological disorders is an emerging area of concern.
One of the key mechanisms linking air pollution to neurological disorders is oxidative stress and inflammation caused by pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These pollutants generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggering an immune response that can harm cellular structures and lead to neuroinflammation. This phenomenon plays a significant role in the development of neurodegenerative disorders.
Prolonged exposure to air pollution can also impair the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by altering gene expression related to its integrity and functionality, increasing its permeability. This impairment, along with the neurotoxic effects of air pollution, can induce apoptosis in neuronal cells and hinder neural stem cell differentiation, affecting neuron development and brain functions such as memory and learning. Animal studies further suggest a link between air pollution exposure and brain damage, including neuron death and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Inhalation of fine particulate matter, specifically PM2.5, has been associated with an increased risk of neurological disorders. Epidemiological studies have found a strong association between ambient PM2.5 and a range of neurological disorders, including age-related dementia, Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease, stroke, depression, and anxiety disorders. Exposure to PM2.5 has also been linked to decreased cognitive function and lower grey matter volumes in the brain.
Additionally, air pollution has been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly in children. Traffic-related air pollution, ambient PM2.5, and PAHs have been identified as environmental risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The developing brains of children are susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution, emphasizing the need for stricter standards and policies to improve air quality.
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