Brian Barton
Air pollution is a significant environmental health hazard and the leading cause of premature death and disease in Europe. It is caused by various human activities, including the combustion of fossil fuels, industrial processes, and domestic heating and cooking. The pollutants of greatest concern to public health include particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). These pollutants can cause both short- and long-term health problems in children and adults, with the severity depending on the type, source, and concentration of the pollutants. Fine particulate matter, especially PM2.5, is considered the most harmful as it can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and cause systemic damage to tissues and cells. The health consequences of air pollution include respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular diseases, metabolic dysfunction-linked fatty liver disease, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney diseases, skin diseases, neurological disorders, and various types of cancer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Disease | Cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, reproductive, neurological, immune system disorders, fatty liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, eczema, psoriasis, acne, asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke, ischemic heart disease, pneumonia, lung cancer, trachea, bronchus and lung cancers, aggravated asthma, lower respiratory infections, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, metabolic dysfunction-linked fatty liver disease, hypertensive disorders, pre-term birth, low birth weight, tuberculosis, cataract, nasopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers |
| Pollutants | Particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), nitrogen oxides, black carbon, metals, PAHs, benzene |
| Effects | Inflammation in human cells, systemic damages to tissues and cells, oxidative stress, damage to health during childhood, risk of diseases later in life, death, morbidity, premature death, disability |
| Vulnerable Groups | Children, adolescents, older people, women, lower socio-economic groups, people with pre-existing health conditions |
| Locations | Europe, Central-eastern Europe, Italy, Eastern and South-eastern Europe, China, India |
What You'll Learn
Asthma and respiratory diseases
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease with symptoms such as wheezing and breathlessness. It is a serious and sometimes life-threatening disease that affects the quality of life of millions of people worldwide. Air pollution is a major contributor to asthma and can worsen symptoms for those already suffering from the disease.
Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe and a leading cause of premature death and disease. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is the air pollutant that causes the most harm to human health. These particles are a mixture of dirt, soot, smoke and liquid droplets, and they are able to penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and travel to organs, causing damage to tissues and cells.
Ozone (O3) is a major irritant found in air pollution that is extremely aggravating to the lungs and airways. Studies have shown that ozone exposure is associated with a decrease in lung function, even at low levels and when asthma is being treated with medication. Furthermore, ozone may be a critical risk factor in the progression of asthma to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is particularly true for individuals with asthma who are exposed to higher levels of ozone.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is another pollutant that is directly linked to asthma. It is produced by car emissions, trucks, other vehicles, and power plants. Sulphur dioxide (SO2), which is a result of burning fossil fuels, transportation, and industrial processes, can also harm the lungs and lead to health problems. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas that can build up inside buildings and cars and is formed from the incomplete combustion of fuels and wood.
Children are especially vulnerable to air pollution as their bodies and immune systems are still developing. Exposure to coarse particulate matter (PM10-2.5) is associated with an increased likelihood of developing asthma and needing emergency room or hospital treatment. A study of over eight million children in the US found that exposure to coarse PM was linked to increased asthma diagnosis, hospitalisation, and emergency department visits. Children under 11 years old were found to be the most susceptible to adverse health effects from exposure to coarse PM.
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Cancer
Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe, and a major cause of premature death and disease worldwide. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is the air pollutant driving the most significant health problems, including cancer.
In 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer reviewed all available science and concluded that air pollution, particularly PM2.5, causes lung cancer. This conclusion is supported by overwhelming evidence that outdoor particle pollution, like that from vehicle exhaust, coal-fired power plants, and other industrial sources, can cause lung cancer. Particle pollution increases the risk of dying early, heart disease, and asthma attacks, and it can also interfere with the growth and function of the lungs.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified air pollution as a leading cause of cancer. A global review found that chronic exposure can affect every organ in the body, complicating and exacerbating existing health conditions. Children and adolescents are especially vulnerable because their bodies, organs, and immune systems are still developing. Air pollution damages health during childhood and increases the risk of diseases later in life.
In addition to lung cancer, air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of several other types of cancer, including breast, liver, and pancreatic cancer. A large study of more than 57,000 women found that living near major roadways may increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. Furthermore, occupational exposure to benzene, an industrial chemical and component of gasoline, can cause leukemia and is associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Indoor air pollution, such as radon, can also cause lung cancer. Additionally, air pollution could affect gut microbiota and influence the development of cancer in the digestive organs.
It is important to note that the specific health impacts of air pollution depend on the types, sources, and concentrations of pollutants in the mixture to which an individual is exposed. However, the health risks and disease pathways between ambient and household air pollution exposure are often similar due to their comparable compositions.
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Neurological disorders
Air pollution is a major public health concern, causing approximately 3.7 million premature deaths worldwide annually, with 88% of these occurring in low- and middle-income countries. It is a complex issue with various pollutants contributing to its detrimental effects on human health. While the focus of research has primarily been on its impact on respiratory and cardiovascular health, there is a growing recognition of its adverse effects on neurological health.
The impact of air pollution on neurological disorders is an emerging area of concern. Pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known to contribute to neurological pathologies. These pollutants can induce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key factors in the development of neurodegenerative disorders. The oxidative stress triggered by these pollutants leads to an immune response that can harm cellular structures, affecting the nervous system and cognitive function.
Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are neurodegenerative disorders that have been linked to air pollution exposure. The oxidative stress and inflammation caused by pollutants exacerbate these conditions. Additionally, air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of stroke, with toxic substances in fine dust contributing to thrombosis and elevated stroke incidence in highly polluted areas.
Beyond neurodegenerative disorders, air pollution has been implicated in various neurological and psychiatric disorders. These include cognitive decline, dementia, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The exact mechanisms are not fully understood, but several theories exist. Air pollution-induced inflammation in the brain may amplify anxiety symptoms, and pollutants can disrupt neurotransmitter balance, affecting serotonin and dopamine levels crucial for mood regulation.
The impact of air pollution on neurological health is particularly concerning for children. Lead, which can still be found in industrial emissions, poses risks to neurological development. Additionally, air pollution may affect diabetes and neurological development in children, as suggested by a growing body of evidence. Furthermore, neuronal cell damage caused by fine dust during fetal and infant stages can result in permanent brain damage or lead to neurological diseases later in life.
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Gastrointestinal disorders
Air pollution is a major environmental health hazard and the single largest environmental health risk in Europe. It is a major cause of premature death and disease. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is the air pollutant driving the most significant health problems. These fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and travel to organs, causing systemic damage to tissues and cells.
Several gastrointestinal disorders have been linked to air pollution. These include irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, and bloating. These disorders can be very serious and even life-threatening if left untreated.
Research has shown that exposure to particulate matter can trigger the onset of gastrointestinal disease. Studies have found that ingestion of particulate matter increases intestinal permeability and is accompanied by an inflammatory response. This is due to the disruption of the intestinal barrier, which normally serves to keep bad bacteria out of the body and allow good bacteria to function properly.
Air pollution is thought to change the gut microbiome, leading to an abnormal reaction of the immune system to certain bacteria in the intestines. This can result in inflammation and an increased risk of gastrointestinal disorders. In particular, Crohn's disease has been found to be more common in individuals with higher exposures to nitrogen dioxide.
In addition to gastrointestinal disorders, air pollution has been linked to a variety of other diseases, including respiratory problems, lung diseases, heart attacks, strokes, cancer, neurological disorders, kidney diseases, and reproductive, metabolic, and immune system disorders.
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Kidney diseases
Air pollution is a major cause of disease and premature death. The health impacts of exposure to air pollution depend on the types, sources, and concentrations of the pollutants in the air. Pollutants with the most significant health risks include particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). These fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and travel to organs, causing systemic damage to tissues and cells.
While the effects of air pollution on respiratory and cardiovascular systems are well-known, recent evidence suggests that air pollution also impacts renal function and contributes to kidney diseases. Studies have found a link between exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). For instance, a study of 3554 patients in Europe found that the odds of developing CKD increased with higher annual concentrations of PM2.5 and NO2. Another study of US veterans found that for every increase of 10 micrograms per cubic meter of air pollution, there was a 25 to 37% increase in new cases of kidney disease and a 31% higher risk of kidney failure.
The exact mechanisms by which air pollution damages kidney function are still being investigated. One theory suggests that air pollutants can activate inflammatory cells in the lungs, leading to the release of mediators that enter the bloodstream and cause systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage to distant organs, including the kidneys. Additionally, pollutants can enter the blood circulation directly, affecting the whole organism and potentially leading to vascular dysfunction.
The detrimental effects of air pollution on kidney health are concerning, and more research is needed to fully understand the pathogenesis and specific types of air pollutants responsible for kidney damage. In the meantime, it is crucial to raise awareness, implement air quality standards, improve emissions controls, and promote the use of cleaner energy sources to mitigate the health risks associated with air pollution.
Overall, air pollution is a significant risk factor for kidney diseases, and addressing this environmental hazard is essential for protecting public health and reducing the burden of kidney-related illnesses.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution is associated with a wide range of diseases, including stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer, and bronchitis. It can also cause metabolic dysfunction-linked fatty liver disease, eczema, psoriasis, acne, and several gastrointestinal and kidney diseases.
Air pollution is caused by a variety of factors, including the combustion of solid fuels, kerosene, biomass (wood, animal dung, and crop waste), and coal. Industrial processes such as iron, steel, and rubber product manufacturing, as well as power generation, also contribute to air pollution.
Fine particulate matter, such as PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and travel to organs, causing systemic damage to tissues and cells. This can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation in human cells, which may lay the foundation for chronic diseases and cancer.
Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution because their bodies, organs, and immune systems are still developing. Lower socio-economic groups tend to be exposed to higher levels of air pollution, and older people and those with pre-existing health conditions are also more susceptible.
