Greta Jimenez
Air pollution is a significant environmental health hazard, causing an estimated seven million premature deaths worldwide each year. It is the largest environmental health risk in Europe, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) causing the most harm to human health. Both short- and long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to a range of diseases, including lung cancer, asthma, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory infections. Indoor and outdoor air pollution sources, such as vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and household combustion devices, release pollutants that contribute to these health issues. The impact of air pollution varies based on factors like genetics, comorbidities, and sociodemographic characteristics, with low-income communities and minority populations being particularly vulnerable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diseases | Cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, ischemic heart disease, lung cancer, trachea, bronchus cancers, systemic inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, non-CF bronchiectasis, sarcoidosis, unstable angina, pulmonary hypertension, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes), obesity, neurological disorders, immune system disorders, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, leukaemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, developmental damage, low infant birth weight, lung infections, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, mental health concerns |
| Morbidity | Yes |
| Mortality | Yes |
| Susceptible Groups | Children, elderly people, pregnant women, people with lung diseases, people with asthma, people with COPD, people with emphysema, people with chronic bronchitis, people with cardiovascular disease, people with respiratory disease, low-income communities, minority populations |
| Risk Factors | Desert dust episodes, indoor air pollution, outdoor air pollution, residential energy for cooking and heating, vehicles, power generation, agriculture/waste incineration, industry, tobacco smoke, wood smoke, vehicle exhaust, smoke, road dust, industrial emissions, pollen, gas-fuelled yard equipment, chemicals, radon, lead dust, carbon monoxide, mould, volatile organic compounds, biological pollutants, benzene |
Cancer
Air pollution is a far-reaching threat to public health, with 99% of the world's population breathing unhealthy air, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Exposure to air pollution can lead to various diseases, including cancer.
Lung Cancer
The link between air pollution and lung cancer is well-established. Outdoor air pollution, particularly particulate matter (PM), has been classified as a Group 1 human carcinogen by the WHO. Particulate matter, such as PM2.5, is a mixture of environmental pollutants from transportation, power generation, industry, and domestic burning. These particles can cause inflammation in the lungs and trigger changes in airway cells, leading to lung cancer. Long-term exposure to elevated levels of air pollution increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Additionally, indoor air pollution, such as second-hand tobacco smoke, can also cause lung cancer and other health issues.
Other Cancers
While the evidence is more limited, air pollution may also be associated with an increased risk of other types of cancer. Studies have suggested a link between air pollution and cancers of the digestive organs, breast, liver, pancreas, head, and neck. The particles found in air pollution may promote cancerous changes in cells with certain gene mutations, increasing the risk of various cancer types. However, more research is needed to fully understand the association between air pollution and these other cancer types.
Impact on Cancer Patients
Air pollution not only increases the risk of developing cancer but also negatively impacts the quality of life of people already living with cancer. It can exacerbate respiratory symptoms, increase fatigue, reduce physical activity, and worsen treatment side effects. Additionally, air pollution may interfere with cancer treatments, reducing the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs and increasing surgical complications. Therefore, reducing air pollution is crucial not only for cancer prevention but also for improving the outcomes and quality of life for those already affected by the disease.
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Respiratory diseases
Air pollution is a major cause of disease and premature death worldwide. In 2019, it was the largest environmental health risk in Europe, and an estimated 7 million people die globally each year due to air pollution.
Children are particularly vulnerable to the respiratory effects of air pollution. Their lungs are still developing, and exposure to pollutants can stunt their growth, leading to reduced lung function as adults. Children living in low-income urban areas tend to have higher rates of asthma due to increased pollution levels. Additionally, air pollution increases the risk of lung infections in children.
The elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions are also more susceptible to the respiratory effects of air pollution. Exposure to pollutants can exacerbate their symptoms, making it harder to breathe and leading to hospitalizations.
The sources of indoor and outdoor air pollution that contribute to respiratory diseases vary. Outdoor pollution comes from vehicles, power generation, industry, and agriculture, while indoor pollution is caused by combustion devices, smoking, mould, and biological pollutants like pollen and dust mites.
The health impacts of air pollution on respiratory function are well-established, and ongoing research continues to uncover new links between air pollution and respiratory health.
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Cardiovascular disease
Air pollution is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, which is a general term for conditions affecting the health of the heart or blood vessels. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with most deaths occurring in people over 65 years of age.
When you breathe in poor-quality air, air pollutants can travel deep into your bloodstream through your lungs and to your heart. This can increase your risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases. Air pollutants can damage your blood vessels by making them narrower and harder, increasing blood pressure and reducing blood flow. This can put extra strain on your heart muscle, as it has to work harder to pump blood around your body. Air pollution can also affect your heart's electrical system, which controls your heartbeat, potentially causing small changes to the structure of your heart that resemble the early stages of heart failure. For people with existing heart and circulatory conditions, this damage can increase their risk of events like a heart attack or stroke.
Scientific evidence indicates that populations exposed to high levels of PM2.5 may be at increased risk of cardiovascular issues. These include people with underlying cardiovascular conditions, such as ischemic heart disease or heart failure, or those who have previously experienced cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction or stroke.
Short- and long-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of hospitalizations for serious cardiovascular events, particularly in those with established heart disease. These events can include coronary syndrome, arrhythmia, heart failure, stroke, and sudden cardiac death.
It is important to note that air pollution levels vary depending on factors such as the built-up area, time of day, and weather. Taking preventative measures, such as checking air pollution levels and reducing exposure during high-pollution periods, can help mitigate the risk of developing cardiovascular issues.
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Diabetes
Air pollution is a critical public health issue worldwide, and it has been linked to several diseases, including respiratory disease, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome. Diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, is a metabolic disorder that results in insufficient insulin secretion and impaired biological effects. It is considered one of the major contributors to the global burden of disease and premature death.
Several studies have found a strong link between air pollution and diabetes, with air pollution contributing to approximately 3.2 million cases of diabetes worldwide in 2016. This association is particularly evident in lower-income countries that lack clean air policies, such as India, China, and Indonesia. In contrast, wealthier countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have a lower risk of pollution-related diabetes.
One study by Anne Weaver, a population health data scientist at the EPA, focused on the association between air pollution and higher rates of diabetes in African Americans living in the southern United States, specifically in Mississippi. Weaver's research indicated that air pollution, especially ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), may play a role in the development of diabetes in this population.
Another study in California found a positive association between type 2 diabetes prevalence and exposures to government-monitored ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Additionally, a cohort study in the Netherlands found no association between air pollution exposure and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, a study in the United States showed that exposure to air pollutants during pregnancy was associated with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).
While the exact mechanism behind the relationship between air pollution and diabetes remains unclear, it is evident that air pollution contributes to the development and progression of this disease. Type 2 diabetes is a multifactorial disease influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter, can lead to insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism, which are key features of type 2 diabetes.
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Neurological disorders
Air pollution is a significant environmental health hazard, and its detrimental effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health are well-documented. However, its impact on neurological disorders is an emerging area of concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) includes several diseases in the category of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, and Neuroinflammation.
Several air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are known to contribute to neurological pathologies. These pollutants can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key factors in the development of neurodegenerative disorders. For example, increased PM2.5 concentrations have been linked to a higher incidence of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson's Disease (PD). Similarly, higher O3 concentrations are associated with a greater incidence of AD, MS, and PD.
The impact of air pollution on neurological disorders is evident in studies examining the effects of specific pollutants. Sulfur dioxide (SO2), a common air pollutant emitted from sulfur-containing fuels, has been linked to cognitive deterioration in Alzheimer's patients and overall cognitive decline and impairment in specific functional areas. Additionally, research has found an association between increased SO2 levels and a rise in outpatient visits to epilepsy clinics, suggesting a potential link between air pollution and epilepsy.
Furthermore, industrial emissions may contain lead, which can accumulate in the environment. Lead exposure poses risks to human health, particularly in children, by affecting neurological development. The combustion of fossil fuels and industrial processes can also produce nitrogen oxides (NOx), which include nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). These gases can worsen asthma, cause respiratory issues, and contribute to the production of ground-level ozone (O3). While ozone shields against UV rays in the stratosphere, ground-level ozone is a dangerous pollutant that can lead to respiratory disorders and other health concerns.
The complex relationship between air pollution and neurological disorders is an area of active research, and the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. However, the available evidence underscores the urgent need for policy interventions to mitigate the impact of air pollution on the nervous system and overall neurological health.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution is the leading cause of several diseases, including lung cancer, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is also associated with an increased risk of other respiratory infections, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.
Air pollution is caused by a variety of sources, including vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and residential energy use. When people breathe in polluted air, the pollutants can enter their bloodstream and contribute to coughing, itchy eyes, and breathing problems. Fine particulate matter, such as PM2.5, is of particular concern as it has been linked to increased mortality rates and a higher risk of cancer.
Children, the elderly, and pregnant women are more susceptible to the health risks associated with air pollution. Additionally, low-income communities and minority populations are often disproportionately exposed to air pollution and may have higher rates of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases as a result.
Reducing air pollution is key to mitigating its health effects. This can be achieved through policies and investments that support sustainable land use, cleaner energy and transport, energy-efficient housing, and better waste management. On an individual level, people can protect themselves by avoiding exposure to pollutants, especially while driving or spending time outdoors.
