Greta Jimenez
Air pollution is a serious issue that poses significant risks to human health and the planet. It refers to the release of harmful pollutants into the air, which can have detrimental effects on both the environment and people's well-being. These pollutants come from various sources, including vehicle emissions, fuel oils, industrial activities, and natural occurrences like wildfires and volcanic eruptions. The impact of air pollution is far-reaching, contributing to diseases, cognitive issues, and even premature death. With an estimated seven million deaths linked to air pollution annually, it is crucial to address this issue and mitigate its harmful consequences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Solid and liquid particles, certain gases, smoke from wildfires, ash and gases from volcanic eruptions, methane, vehicle emissions, fuel oils, natural gas, manufacturing by-products, power generation, chemical production, dust, pollen, mould spores, etc. |
| Health Impact | Lung damage, bronchitis, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, asthma, lower respiratory infections, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, trachea, bronchus and lung cancers, type 2 diabetes, obesity, systemic inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, eye, skin and lung irritation, blood disorders, liver damage, nervous system damage, endocrine system damage, reproductive function damage, etc. |
| Other Impact | Climate change, increased temperature, extreme weather, flooding, droughts, etc. |
| Statistics | In 2019, 4.5 million deaths were linked to outdoor air pollution exposures, and 2.2 million deaths were caused by indoor air pollution. In 2016, the social cost of air pollution in New Zealand was $15.6 billion. |
What You'll Learn
Increased risk of cancer
Exposure to polluted air increases the risk of developing cancer, particularly lung cancer. Outdoor air pollution is a mixture of tiny dust-like particles and substances in the air that have the potential to negatively impact health. These particles are often artificial, such as fumes from vehicles or factories and smoke from burning fuels like wood or coal. However, natural sources of pollutants, such as wind-blown dust, radon, and ozone, also contribute to outdoor air pollution.
Vehicle emissions, fuel oils, and natural gases used to heat homes are primary sources of human-made air pollution. In addition, by-products of manufacturing and power generation, particularly coal-fueled power plants, and fumes from chemical production are significant contributors. Wildfires, which are often human-induced, also release hazardous substances into the air, including smoke, ash, and gases.
Fine particles from air pollution can enter deep into the lungs and have been linked to lung cancer. Research suggests that pollution may spark defects in DNA repair function, alterations in the body's immune response, or inflammation that triggers angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels that allow tumors to spread. For example, a long-term study from 2000 to 2016 found an association between lung cancer incidence and increased reliance on coal for energy generation.
In addition to lung cancer, air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of mortality for 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 breast cancer. Furthermore, a study of over 66,000 residents of Hong Kong aged 65 or older found a 36% higher mortality risk from lung cancer per 10 µg/m3 increased exposure to PM2.5, fine particulate matter.
While cancer risk from air pollution is relatively small compared to other factors, it is still a significant public health concern. It is important to note that air pollution levels can be mitigated through individual and governmental actions, such as reducing emissions by walking or cycling instead of driving and implementing strategies to reduce outdoor air pollution.
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Respiratory issues
Air pollution is a major health hazard, and it can have a detrimental impact on the respiratory system. It is caused by a combination of solid and liquid particles, known as aerosols, and certain gases suspended in the air. These pollutants come from sources such as car and truck exhaust, factories, dust, pollen, mould spores, and wildfires. The respiratory system, which includes the nose, throat, and lungs, is particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution.
One of the most common respiratory issues associated with air pollution is an increased risk of developing asthma. Air pollution can trigger asthma flare-ups, especially in individuals who already have the condition. Exhaust from diesel engines alone has been linked to a significant number of asthma attacks. Additionally, exposure to air pollution during infancy has been associated with a higher risk of developing asthma later in life.
Another respiratory issue caused by air pollution is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Air pollution can induce acute exacerbations of COPD, which is a chronic inflammatory lung disease. Individuals with COPD are more susceptible to the detrimental effects of air pollutants, and high levels of pollutants can trigger flare-ups. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM) in the air can irritate the airways, making them more inflamed and increasing the risk of COPD exacerbations.
Air pollution also increases the risk of developing lung infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. High levels of ozone, a major air pollutant in cities, can reduce lung capacity and make breathing uncomfortable. Ozone is formed when sunlight combines with certain chemicals emitted from burning fossil fuels, and it can be harmful to respiratory health even at ground level.
In addition to these specific respiratory issues, air pollution can also cause more general respiratory problems such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest pain. These symptoms can occur in people with or without pre-existing respiratory conditions.
The impact of air pollution on respiratory health is a significant concern, and it affects individuals of all ages. Children, in particular, are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution as their lungs are still developing, and they breathe faster, taking in more polluted air. Older individuals with long-term lung conditions are also at a higher risk of experiencing respiratory issues due to air pollution.
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Cardiovascular problems
Air pollution is a major contributor to cardiovascular problems. Cardiovascular disease is a general term used to describe conditions that affect the health of the heart or blood vessels. It is the leading cause of death in the United States, with most deaths occurring in people over 65 years of age. One in three Americans suffers from cardiovascular disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly seven million deaths worldwide are caused by indoor and outdoor air pollution each year. In 2019, 4.5 million deaths were linked to outdoor air pollution, and 2.2 million deaths were caused by indoor air pollution.
Air pollution is composed of particulate matter (PM) and gaseous pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide and ozone. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a major component of air pollution and has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and decreased life expectancy. Studies have shown that even short-term increases in air pollution can lead to a higher risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and acute heart failure.
Additionally, air pollution promotes the development of atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the walls of the arteries. This buildup can result in blood clots, which can block blood flow and lead to a heart attack or stroke. Exposure to air pollution has also been associated with an increased risk of arteriosclerosis, as evidenced by premature aortic and coronary calcification.
The effects of air pollution on cardiovascular health vary depending on the type of pollutant, the length and level of exposure, and individual health risks. However, air pollution has been recognized as a significant contributor to cardiovascular problems, and reducing air pollution is crucial to mitigate its health impact.
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Neurodevelopmental issues
Air pollution is a critical global health issue, with 99% of people currently breathing air that exceeds the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline limits for pollutants. The problem is especially acute in low- and middle-income countries. According to the 2020 State of Global Air report, 4.5 million deaths were linked to outdoor air pollution in 2019, and indoor air pollution caused a further 2.2 million deaths.
Air pollution is a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles, called aerosols, and certain gases suspended in the air. These particles and gases can originate from car and truck exhaust, factories, dust, pollen, mould spores, volcanoes, and wildfires.
The impact of air pollution on human health varies depending on the type of pollutant, the level and length of exposure, and individual health risks. One of the most vulnerable groups to the adverse effects of air pollution are children, particularly during prenatal and early developmental stages.
Air pollution has been linked to neurodevelopmental issues, with studies showing detrimental effects on neurodevelopmental skills in children. The greatest risk for neurodevelopment seems to occur through prenatal exposure, with potential impacts on the developing fetus. Early life exposure to air pollution has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder.
The most affected domains of neurodevelopment are global intellective functioning and attention or executive functions. Exposure to air pollution has also been linked to behavioural abnormalities, oxidative stress, neuro-inflammation, and cognitive deficits.
In animal studies, exposure to air pollution has resulted in changes to motor activity, spatial learning and memory, and novel object recognition ability. In humans, exposure to air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of cerebral palsy and symptoms of attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The specific pollutants that represent the greatest risk to neurodevelopment are fine particulate matter, such as PM2.5 and NO2, which can reach the lower airways and impact brain health.
Overall, the evidence suggests that air pollution, particularly during critical periods of brain development, can have significant adverse effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes, with potential long-lasting impacts throughout life.
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Early death
Air pollution is a major cause of early death and disease worldwide. In 2019, 4.5 million deaths were linked to outdoor air pollution, and another 2.2 million deaths were caused by indoor air pollution. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly seven million people die annually from indoor and outdoor air pollution combined.
The health effects of air pollution vary depending on the type of pollutant, the level and length of exposure, and individual health risks. Pollutants known to cause early death include nitrogen oxides, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), benzene, dioxins, and mercury. These pollutants can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems, lung damage, blood disorders, and an increased risk of cancers.
Particulate matter, or tiny solid and liquid particles in the air, can be especially harmful. When inhaled, these particles can become lodged deep in the lungs, causing or exacerbating respiratory issues. In children, exposure to particulate matter has been linked to an increased risk of developing bronchitis and asthma symptoms in adulthood, as well as cognitive and emotional problems.
Nitrogen oxides, primarily emitted by motor vehicles, have been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke in post-menopausal women. Additionally, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was responsible for a significant proportion of the social cost of air pollution in New Zealand in 2016, including direct health costs, lost productivity, and loss of life and quality of life.
Benzene, a component of gasoline, has been linked to eye, skin, and lung irritation in the short term and blood disorders in the long term. Dioxins, another pollutant present in the air, can affect the liver and harm the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems, as well as reproductive functions. Mercury, another toxic pollutant, attacks the central nervous system.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution is the release of pollutants into the air that are detrimental to human health and the planet as a whole. These pollutants can be solid and liquid particles, called aerosols, or certain gases.
Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe and is now the world's fourth-largest risk factor for early death. It can cause a wide range of diseases, including stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, trachea, bronchus and lung cancers, aggravated asthma, lower respiratory infections, type 2 diabetes, obesity, systemic inflammation, Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Children who were exposed to high levels of air pollutants were more likely to develop bronchitis symptoms in adulthood and experience cognitive and emotional problems.
The main sources of human-made air pollution are vehicle emissions, fuel oils, natural gas used to heat homes, by-products of manufacturing and power generation, and fumes from chemical production. Natural sources include wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and gases emitted from decomposing organic matter in soils.
To protect ourselves from the harmful effects of air pollution, it is important to monitor air quality and minimise exposure to pollutants. On a larger scale, reducing the burning of fossil fuels, implementing and enforcing pollution laws and regulations, and transitioning to cleaner energy sources can help improve air quality.
