Bronte Wells
Air pollution is a major threat to global health and prosperity. It is responsible for millions of deaths each year, causing or worsening lung and heart disease, and shortening lives. While there are many air pollutants that pose severe health risks, two of the most widespread and dangerous pollutants are ground-level ozone and particulate matter. These pollutants are released into the air through the combustion of fossil fuels and are associated with an increased risk of asthma, cardiac problems, hospital admissions, and premature death.
What You'll Learn
Particulate matter (PM)
PM is measured in microns, with PM10 referring to particles of 10 microns or less in diameter, and PM2.5 referring to fine particles of 2.5 microns or less in diameter. PM2.5 is considered the more harmful form of PM as it can be inhaled deeply into the lung tissue. It is also the main cause of reduced visibility (haze) in parts of the United States, including many national parks and wilderness areas.
The sources of PM vary and can be both indoor and outdoor. Indoor sources of PM include household activities such as cooking, space heating, and lighting with inefficient or dirty technologies like kerosene lamps. Outdoor sources of PM include traffic and transportation, industrial activities, power plants, construction sites, waste burning, fires, and fields. In both indoor and outdoor environments, the combustion of polluting fuels is a significant contributor to PM.
The health risks associated with PM exposure are well documented. Short-term exposure to PM10 has been linked to respiratory diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), often leading to hospitalisations and emergency department visits. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has been associated with an increased risk of mortality, particularly in individuals with chronic heart or lung diseases. It is also linked to an increased risk of dementia and other neurological issues.
To protect public health, organisations like the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have developed standards and regulations to reduce emissions of pollutants that form PM. The EPA's national and regional rules aim to help state and local governments meet the Agency's national air quality standards. Additionally, individuals can use air quality alerts, such as the Air Quality Index (AQI), to take appropriate actions and adjust outdoor activities when PM levels reach harmful concentrations.
Cows and Air Pollution: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
Carbon monoxide (CO)
CO is dangerous because it binds to hemoglobin in the blood, reducing the blood's ability to carry oxygen. This interference with oxygen delivery can lead to adverse health effects, especially in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular issues. The most commonly observed effects of CO exposure are fatigue, headaches, confusion, dizziness, chest pain, and decreased exercise tolerance. Prolonged exposure can be fatal, and CO poisoning claims the lives of hundreds of people annually, with thousands more falling ill.
The risk of CO poisoning increases during the cold season, primarily due to the use of improperly vented space heaters and gas ranges for indoor heating. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to install and regularly maintain CO detectors near sleeping areas. California has even mandated the installation of CO detectors in all housing units to address the health risks associated with this pollutant.
Additionally, CO contributes to the formation of ozone air pollution and plays a role in climate change. It is a significant component of both indoor and outdoor air pollution, which is responsible for millions of premature deaths worldwide each year.
Air Pollution: What Does It Look Like?
You may want to see also
Ozone (O3)
Ozone pollution can have serious impacts on human health. Even relatively low levels of ozone can be harmful, and the risk of adverse effects increases with higher levels of ozone exposure. People most at risk from breathing ozone-polluted air include those with asthma, children, older adults, and people who are active outdoors, especially outdoor workers. Children are particularly vulnerable because their lungs are still developing, and they are more likely than adults to have asthma. Additionally, some evidence suggests that women may face a higher respiratory health risk from ozone exposure.
The health effects of ozone pollution include immediate breathing problems, such as obstruction of the airways and increased hospital admissions for people with lung diseases. Long-term exposure to ozone is associated with an increased risk of respiratory illnesses, metabolic disorders, nervous system issues, reproductive issues, and cardiovascular-related mortality. Research has also shown that breathing in other pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, can make the lungs react more strongly to ozone, increasing the health risks.
Ozone pollution is a widespread issue, affecting both urban and rural areas. In the United States, it is considered the most widespread pollutant and one of the most dangerous. To protect public health, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated ozone as one of six common air pollutants that need to be limited based on health criteria. States are required to develop plans to improve air quality in areas that do not meet the national ambient air quality standards, and the EPA provides resources to help individuals protect their health when ozone levels are high.
Trucking's Impact: Air Pollution and Its Devastating Effects
You may want to see also
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
NO2 is a significant health risk, especially for individuals with asthma, children, and the elderly. Exposure to high concentrations of NO2 can irritate the airways in the human respiratory system, aggravate respiratory diseases, and lead to coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Scientific evidence suggests that exposure to NO2 is likely to cause asthma in children and may contribute to the development of asthma in those without it.
Longer-term exposure to elevated concentrations of NO2 may increase susceptibility to respiratory infections and is strongly associated with heart and lung harm. A 2022 review of multiple studies found links between elevated NO2 levels and adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, as well as an increased risk of kidney and neurological harm, autoimmune disorders, and cancer.
The Clean Air Act has helped drive down nitrogen dioxide emissions, and power plants, industrial sites, and on-road vehicles are now cleaner than they used to be. However, many people still breathe in unhealthy levels of NO2, and it remains a widespread health risk. Individuals can take steps to protect themselves on days with high levels of air pollution and advocate for continued cleanup of air pollution to improve air quality.
Natural Gas Burning: Air Pollution and Health Risks
You may want to see also
Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources, such as vehicle emissions, fuel oils, natural gas, manufacturing by-products, and power generation. It poses a major threat to global health, causing approximately 6.5 million deaths annually worldwide.
SO2 emissions contribute to the formation of other sulfur oxides (SOx), which react with other atmospheric compounds to form small particles. These particles can penetrate deeply into the lungs and cause serious health issues. The health risks associated with particulate matter, especially those less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5), are well documented. PM2.5 can enter the bloodstream, leading to cardiovascular diseases, such as ischaemic heart disease and cerebrovascular issues, as well as respiratory problems.
The sources of SO2 emissions include industrial processes, such as metal extraction, natural sources like volcanic activity, and vehicles and equipment burning fuel with a high sulfur content. Control measures aimed at reducing SO2 emissions are crucial to decrease people's exposure to harmful SOx and improve air quality. These measures can also help reduce the formation of particulate sulfur pollutants, such as fine sulfate particles, which have adverse health effects.
The adverse effects of SO2 on human health highlight the importance of implementing measures to reduce emissions and improve air quality. By addressing SO2 pollution, we can mitigate its impact on respiratory health and overall well-being, especially for vulnerable individuals with asthma and children.
Students, Teachers, or Staff: Who Pollutes School Air?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The two air pollutants that pose the most widespread health risk are ground-level ozone, sometimes referred to as smog, and particle pollution, also known as particulate matter or soot.
The sources of ozone and particle pollution are similar and include cars, trucks, factories, power plants, incinerators, and engines.
Ozone and particle pollution can lead to increased asthma attacks, hospital admissions, and emergency room visits. They are also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, developmental damage, susceptibility to infections, and worsened COPD symptoms.
People can reduce their exposure to ozone and particle pollution by staying indoors when outdoor air quality is poor, using air purifiers indoors, and advocating for policies that regulate emissions and improve air quality.
Yes, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are often more vulnerable to the health risks associated with ozone and particle pollution.
