Air Pollution: Signs To Watch Out For

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 over 6.5 million deaths annually worldwide. The signs of air pollution can be visible, such as a brown haze over a city or exhaust on a busy highway, or invisible, with only a pungent smell as a clue. The health effects of air pollution are varied and depend on individual sensitivity, but common symptoms include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, phlegm, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Vulnerable groups, such as older people, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are more susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution.

Particulate matter (PM) in the air

Particulate matter (PM) is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. It is made up of various chemicals, including sulfates, nitrates, carbon, and mineral dust. PM is released into the atmosphere through vehicle and industrial emissions from fossil fuel combustion, cigarette smoke, and the burning of organic matter, such as wildfires.

PM can be categorised into two main types: PM10 and PM2.5. PM10 refers to particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less, which are inhalable and can induce adverse health effects, particularly for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. PM2.5, on the other hand, refers to fine particles with diameters of 2.5 micrometres or less. These particles are so small that they can be inhaled deeply into the lung tissue, potentially reaching the bloodstream. Due to their minuscule size, PM2.5 particles pose a greater risk to health than PM10 particles.

The health effects of PM exposure can vary depending on individual sensitivity, the duration of exposure, and the level of pollution. Short-term symptoms associated with PM exposure include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as coughing, sneezing, and respiratory issues. Long-term exposure to PM2.5, in particular, has been linked to more severe health outcomes, including premature death, especially in individuals with chronic heart or lung diseases. It has also been associated with reduced lung function growth in children and an increased risk of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

To protect yourself from the harmful effects of PM, it is important to stay informed about air quality levels in your region. Resources such as the Air Quality Index (AQI) provide daily updates on outdoor air quality and associated health risks. By understanding the air quality data, you can take appropriate precautions to minimise your exposure to harmful levels of PM and protect your health. Additionally, reducing emissions of pollutants that contribute to PM formation, such as through the use of cleaner energy sources and improved industrial practices, can help improve air quality and mitigate the health risks associated with PM exposure.

Respiratory and health issues

Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from human-made and natural sources. Vehicle emissions, fuel oils, natural gas, manufacturing by-products, coal-fuelled power plants, and chemical production fumes are the primary sources of human-made air pollution. Smoke from wildfires, ash and gases from volcanic eruptions, and gases like methane emitted from decomposing organic matter are examples of natural sources.

Air pollution is a significant threat to global health, causing over 6.5 million deaths annually, a number that has increased over the years. It is the presence of contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gases, mist, odours, smoke, or vapours, in quantities that can harm human health. The main pathway of exposure is through the respiratory tract, where pollutants cause inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells, impacting the lungs, heart, brain, and other organs.

Breathing polluted air can irritate the lungs and cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, asthma flare-ups, and chest pain. Ozone, a powerful lung irritant, is a significant component of air pollution. When inhaled, it reacts with the delicate lining of the airways, causing inflammation and damage that can impact multiple body systems. High ozone levels lead to breathing problems, including chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath, even in healthy young adults. Short-term exposure to ozone increases the risk of premature death, especially for older adults. Long-term exposure is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease mortality.

Particulate matter (PM), composed of chemicals like sulfates, nitrates, carbon, or mineral dust, is another critical pollutant. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, contributing to serious health problems. Exposure to high levels of PM can lead to reduced lung function, respiratory infections, and aggravated asthma. Long-term exposure increases the risk of non-communicable diseases like stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer.

Certain populations are more vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing conditions like asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart disease, or lung cancer are at greater risk of harm. Low-income individuals are also more susceptible due to proximity to pollution sources and limited resources for relocation or healthcare.

To minimize the respiratory and health issues associated with air pollution, it is crucial to reduce exposure and implement policy changes to improve air quality. Transitioning to clean energy sources, such as wind and solar power, and adopting zero-emission transportation systems can significantly contribute to reducing air pollution and its impact on respiratory health.

Indoor air pollution

Other sources of indoor air pollution include emissions from fireplaces, stoves, cigarettes, cleaning products, newer building materials, and chemicals stored in the home. Poor ventilation can also contribute to indoor air pollution, as pollutants can accumulate to harmful levels if there is not enough outdoor air entering the building. Mechanical ventilation devices, such as outdoor-vented fans, can help to improve indoor air quality by removing polluted air from the home.

The health effects of indoor air pollution can vary depending on individual sensitivity, age, and pre-existing medical conditions. Some people may experience immediate effects such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. These symptoms are usually short-term and treatable, and may even go away when the person is removed from the polluted environment. However, it is important to note that repeated or high-level exposures to indoor air pollutants can lead to sensitization and the development of more serious health issues.

In some cases, exposure to indoor air pollutants can cause or aggravate respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and "humidifier fever". It can also contribute to more severe health problems such as heart disease and cancer. Improving indoor air quality is therefore crucial, even if no symptoms are noticeable. This can be achieved through proper ventilation and the elimination of contaminant sources, and regular maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

Environmental damage

Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from human-made and natural sources. It is a major threat to global health and prosperity, causing more than 6.5 million deaths annually worldwide. The primary sources of human-made air pollution are vehicle emissions, fuel oils, natural gas, manufacturing by-products, and power generation. Natural sources include smoke from wildfires, ash and gases from volcanic eruptions, and gases like methane emitted from decomposing organic matter.

Air pollution also contributes to climate change, exacerbating the impact of natural allergens such as mould and pollen. Mould exposure can trigger asthma attacks and allergic responses, while increased carbon dioxide levels cause pollen-producing plants to grow larger and produce more pollen, worsening allergies.

Additionally, air pollution has economic consequences, with higher medical costs and lost working days impacting individuals and sectors. According to the European Environment Agency, air pollution can result in increased healthcare costs, reduced life expectancy, and economic losses for Europe. Similarly, in the United States, residents of low-income communities of colour suffer from both increased health risks and economic harm due to polluting industries and highways nearby.

Air pollution is a significant environmental concern, causing widespread damage to ecosystems and natural resources, as well as impacting the health and economies of nations. The effects of air pollution are far-reaching and underscore the importance of implementing measures to improve air quality and mitigate its detrimental consequences.

Socio-economic impacts

Air pollution has a range of socio-economic impacts, affecting everything from insurance to productivity and recruitment.

Health and mortality

Air pollution is linked to a range of health issues, from infectious illnesses to life-threatening disorders. It is the largest environmental health risk in Europe, causing an estimated 239,000 premature deaths in 2022. The World Bank estimates that the health damage caused by air pollution costs $6 trillion a year.

Research has shown that the impact of air pollution is not evenly distributed across society. Poorer people and some racial and ethnic groups are among those who face higher exposure to pollutants and greater health risks. For example, in the US, non-white populations, especially black communities, are at a higher risk of premature death from particle pollution. This is partly due to decades of residential segregation, which has resulted in African Americans living in areas of greater exposure to air pollution.

Productivity and economic activity

Air pollution hampers productivity and economic activity. Globally, 1.2 billion workdays are lost each year due to air pollution, and this number could reach 3.8 billion by 2060. The World Bank estimates that this loss of productivity results in a 5% reduction in global GDP.

Insurance

There is a causal relationship between air pollution and the demand for insurance. Research in China has shown that as air pollution levels increase, the demand for insurance rises, particularly for women, children, the elderly, high-income earners, and the educated.

Recruitment

Poor air quality impacts talent recruitment, as cities with severe air pollution are viewed as less desirable places to work.

Economic growth

While air pollution is closely linked to economic growth, clean air action can also boost economic growth. For example, reducing air pollution has boosted the EU economy by €50-60 billion each year since 2014.

Industry

Air pollution from large European industries causes significant damage to the environment, climate, and people's health. However, the environmental and health costs of European industry have decreased by a third from 2012 to 2021.

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