Air Pollution: How It Impacts Your Family's Health

Air pollution is a significant environmental health hazard that affects people of all ages, from unborn babies to older adults. It is caused by the release of pollutants into the air, which are detrimental to human health and the planet. Pollutants can be in the form of gases, fumes, smoke, or particulate matter (PM), which is composed of harmful chemicals. Exposure to air pollution can lead to respiratory issues such as aggravated asthma, bronchitis, and bacterial pneumonia, as well as more serious health problems like stroke, heart disease, and cancer. It is also linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, neurodevelopmental issues, and metabolic diseases in children. The effects of air pollution vary depending on factors such as the length and level of exposure, individual health risks, and sociodemographic factors. Certain populations, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people living in low-income areas, are more susceptible to the negative impacts of air pollution. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the risks associated with air pollution and take steps to reduce exposure and mitigate its harmful effects on individuals, communities, and the environment.

Air pollution and respiratory issues

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 more than 6.5 million deaths each year worldwide. Air pollution is linked to a variety of respiratory issues, including:

Respiratory symptoms

Studies have found links between particle pollution and respiratory symptoms such as coughs, phlegm, wheezing, and bronchitis. These symptoms are especially prevalent in children and those with asthma. Exposure to air pollution can also increase the risk of bacterial pneumonia and respiratory infections.

Reduced lung function

Air pollution can lead to a decrease in lung function, particularly in children and older adults. Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) can be inhaled deeply into lung tissue and contribute to serious health problems. Long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with reduced lung function and increased respiratory mortality.

Inflammation

Particle pollution can induce inflammation in the respiratory tract and lungs, increasing airway responsiveness to irritants such as cold air, allergens, and pollutants. This inflammation can lead to bronchoconstriction and a reduction in lung function.

Asthma and other respiratory diseases

Air pollution is a significant factor in the development and exacerbation of asthma. Exposure to air pollution during infancy and early life is associated with an increased risk of asthma in children. Additionally, air pollution can trigger asthma attacks and flare-ups in those already diagnosed. Air pollution is also linked to the development and aggravation of other respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.

Premature mortality

Air pollution is associated with premature mortality, particularly in those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. People with chronic lung diseases, such as COPD, are at an increased risk of premature death due to particle pollution exposure.

It is important to note that the effects of air pollution on respiratory health can vary depending on individual factors such as age, pre-existing health conditions, and the length and level of exposure to pollutants. While it is challenging to completely avoid particle pollution, taking steps to reduce exposure can help mitigate the adverse health effects.

Air pollution and cancer

Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from human-made and natural sources. It includes vehicle emissions, fuel oils, natural gas, and fumes from chemical plants. It is a major threat to global health, causing 6.5 million deaths each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of people breathe unhealthy air.

Air pollution has been linked to various health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and it poses a significant risk for families. For example, exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Studies have found a correlation between air pollution and lung cancer, with particulate matter (PM) from sources like coal-fired plants, cars, and wildfires causing changes in airway cells that trigger cancer. Air pollution is estimated to cause up to 29% of all lung cancer deaths.

In addition to lung cancer, air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of other types of cancer, including breast, liver, and pancreatic cancer. Research on over 57,000 women suggested that living near major roadways may increase the risk of breast cancer. Additionally, exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 has been linked to higher risks of colorectal and prostate cancers.

The effects of air pollution on cancer are comparable to the excess mortality caused by COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021. Air pollution can also negatively impact the quality of life for people living with cancer, exacerbating symptoms, increasing fatigue, and interfering with treatments.

Reducing air pollution is crucial for mitigating the risk of developing cancer, particularly lung cancer. Actions such as increasing green spaces, adopting cleaner energy sources, and promoting active transportation have additional health benefits, including a lower likelihood of developing other types of cancer.

Air pollution and pregnancy

Air pollution is a serious health risk for both pregnant women and their babies. Exposure to air pollution is linked to a higher risk of pregnancy-related complications.

A study in Beijing, one of the world's most polluted cities, found that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy was linked to low birth weight. The ideal pregnancy delivers six- to nine-pound babies at 38–40 weeks. Babies under five pounds eight ounces are considered “low birth weight”. On average, one in every 12 babies in America is born underweight, but exposure to air pollution during pregnancy is speculated to be a cause.

According to a study by The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) at the University of York, nearly three million babies are born prematurely each year because of air pollution. That means 18% of all annual preterm births have been linked to exposure to particulate matter pollution. Children born prematurely have a significant risk of neurological disorders and permanent physical disabilities.

In addition, exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can increase the risk of preeclampsia and high blood pressure. Untreated asthma caused by air pollution can also lead to poor growth, premature birth, and low birth weight.

Air pollution can occur anywhere, whether in the country or a major city. Common sources of air pollution include ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, vehicle exhaust, building emissions, second-hand smoke, dust, and chemicals.

Air pollution and children

Air pollution has severe risks for children's health and is the biggest environmental health risk factor. It is linked to respiratory infections, asthma, cognitive developmental issues, and lifelong health issues. In 2021, air pollution was the second leading risk factor for death among children under five, after malnutrition. It was linked to 709,000 deaths in children under five, representing 15% of all global deaths in this age group.

Children are more vulnerable to the adverse health effects of air pollution due to several factors. Firstly, they have higher minute ventilation, immature immune systems, and are often involved in vigorous physical activities. Secondly, children spend longer periods outdoors, and their lungs are still developing during the early post-neonatal period. Thirdly, they are closer to the ground where pollutants are more concentrated, and they breathe more rapidly. Their natural biological defences are also less developed, leaving them more susceptible to harmful pollutants.

The effects of air pollution on children can be seen before birth. Research has found that pregnant women exposed to air pollutants are more likely to give birth prematurely to low birth weight babies. Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can also negatively impact foetal lung development, neurodevelopment, and brain growth.

In the post-natal period, air pollution continues to pose significant risks to children's health. It is associated with an increased risk of respiratory infections, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and even pneumonia, which accounts for 22% of all deaths in children between one and five years old. Children exposed to high levels of air pollution may also be at greater risk for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease later in life.

Additionally, air pollution can impact children's education and development. Studies have found unhealthy levels of pollution near schools, affecting school attendance and causing attention problems. Cleaner air has been linked to improved cognitive performance, with a potential increase in a child's working memory.

Protecting children from air pollution is crucial for safeguarding their health and well-being. This can be achieved through various measures, including reducing children's exposure to pollutants, advocating for comprehensive policies, investing in clean technologies, and raising awareness about the dangers of air pollution.

Air pollution and mental health

Air pollution is a significant environmental health risk, and its links to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are well-established. However, its impact on mental health is less understood, although there is substantial evidence of a connection. Research has associated air pollution with higher levels of stress, psychological distress, an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer's, and depression.

A large study of people in the US and Denmark found a link between air pollution and an increased risk of psychiatric disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and personality disorder. Another study of 284 children in the UK found that even relatively low exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 in childhood may increase the risk of major depressive and conduct disorders by age 18. Additionally, children with conduct disorder, a condition associated with disruptive behavioural changes, tend to develop symptoms of antisocial personality disorder in adulthood.

Research has also found that 95% of studies examining brain effects discovered significant physical and functional changes within the emotion-regulation brain regions in those exposed to increased levels of air pollution. These changes include increased inflammation and altered regulation of neurotransmitters, the brain's chemical messengers. Furthermore, air pollution exposure can increase the severity of anxiety and depression symptoms or cause them to appear in children with no previous risk factors.

The impact of air pollution on mental health is unevenly distributed across the population. Children and adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to suffer from mental illness and are more exposed to air pollution, increasing their susceptibility to related health effects. Men, middle-aged people, and married people also appear more vulnerable to the mental health impacts of air pollution.

Breathing cleaner air is a significant step toward reducing the environmental triggers of mental health symptoms. Access to more green spaces and sports facilities in urban areas is associated with decreased mental illnesses, thereby mitigating the effects of air pollution.

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