Pollution's Impact: Understanding Health Risks And Illnesses

Pollution is the largest environmental cause of disease and premature death. It is estimated that pollution causes more than 9 million premature deaths, the majority of which are due to air pollution. Air pollution can lead to a wide range of diseases, including stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, trachea, bronchus and lung cancers, aggravated asthma and lower respiratory infections. Waterborne diseases are also caused by pollution, with 88% of diarrhoea cases worldwide linked to unsafe drinking water, inadequate sanitation or insufficient hygiene.

Respiratory infections

Air pollution can cause a wide range of diseases, including respiratory infections. Both short- and long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to respiratory infections. Short-term exposure to high levels of particulate matter can lead to respiratory infections. Long-term or chronic exposure to fine particulate matter increases a person's risk of diseases with a longer onset, such as noncommunicable diseases.

The respiratory tract is a complex system that includes the nose, throat, voice box, windpipe, and lungs. When pathogens enter this system, they can cause inflammation and damage to the delicate tissues, leading to symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, congestion, and difficulty breathing. In more severe cases, respiratory infections can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis, or even acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Certain groups of people are more susceptible to respiratory infections caused by air pollution. Children, the elderly, and pregnant women are at higher risk due to their developing or weakened immune systems. Additionally, genetics, comorbidities, nutrition, and sociodemographic factors can also impact an individual's susceptibility to air pollution-related respiratory infections.

It is important to note that respiratory infections can have serious health consequences and may require medical attention. Seeking early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Additionally, taking preventive measures, such as reducing exposure to air pollution, improving indoor air quality, and practising good hygiene, can help reduce the risk of developing respiratory infections.

Heart disease

Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe and a major cause of premature death and disease. It is the largest environmental cause of disease and premature death worldwide, causing more than 9 million premature deaths, the majority of which are due to air pollution.

Both short- and long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to a wide range of diseases, including stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, trachea, bronchus and lung cancers, aggravated asthma and lower respiratory infections.

Long-term or chronic exposure to fine particulate matter increases a person's risk for diseases with a longer onset, like some noncommunicable diseases, including heart disease. This is because some air pollutants are small enough to penetrate into the bloodstream via the lungs and circulate throughout the entire body. Heart disease is one of the specific disease outcomes most strongly linked with exposure to air pollution.

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides evidence of links between exposure to air pollution and type 2 diabetes, obesity, systemic inflammation, Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The WHO also states that air pollution is linked to 7 million premature deaths (1 in 8 of total global deaths) in 2012.

Children, the elderly and pregnant women are more susceptible to air pollution-related diseases. Genetics, comorbidities, nutrition and sociodemographic factors also impact a person's susceptibility to air pollution.

Cancer

Pollution is the largest environmental cause of disease and premature death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is linked to 7 million premature deaths (1 in 8 of total global deaths) in 2012.

The specific disease outcomes most strongly linked with exposure to air pollution include lung cancer, as well as other cancers. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides evidence of links between exposure to air pollution and type 2 diabetes, obesity, systemic inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Children, the elderly and pregnant women are more susceptible to air pollution-related diseases. Genetics, comorbidities, nutrition and sociodemographic factors also impact a person’s susceptibility to air pollution.

Stroke

Pollution is the largest environmental cause of disease and premature death. It stunts economic growth, exacerbates poverty and inequality, and significantly contributes to climate change.

Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe and a major cause of premature death and disease. Both short- and long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to a wide range of diseases, including stroke.

Long-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease, which can also increase the risk of stroke. Ischaemic heart disease is a condition in which the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, often due to narrowed or blocked blood vessels. Air pollution can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for stroke.

In addition to air pollution, water pollution can also increase the risk of stroke. Waterborne diseases, such as diarrheal illnesses, can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can affect blood flow and increase the risk of stroke.

Overall, pollution is a significant risk factor for stroke, and reducing exposure to pollutants can help to lower this risk.

Asthma

Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe and a major cause of premature death and disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is linked to 7 million premature deaths (1 in 8 of total global deaths) in 2012. It is also the largest environmental cause of disease and premature death. Pollution causes more than 9 million premature deaths, the majority of them due to air pollution.

Both short- and long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to a wide range of diseases, including stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, trachea, bronchus and lung cancers, aggravated asthma and lower respiratory infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides evidence of links between exposure to air pollution and type 2 diabetes, obesity, systemic inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

People with asthma may experience a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Some people may only experience symptoms during an asthma attack, while others may have persistent symptoms that affect their daily lives. Asthma can be managed with medication and by avoiding triggers, but there is currently no cure.

Air pollution can also worsen existing asthma symptoms and make the condition more difficult to control. People with asthma who are exposed to high levels of air pollution may experience more frequent and severe asthma attacks and may require more medication to manage their condition.

In addition to outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution can also trigger or aggravate asthma. Sources of indoor air pollution include secondhand smoke, mould, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from household products. It is important for people with asthma to be aware of potential triggers and to take steps to reduce their exposure to air pollution, both indoors and outdoors.

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