Air Pollution: When Does It Peak And Harm Us?

Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects people's health and the environment. It can be indoor or outdoor, with outdoor air pollution being more prevalent in cities and rural areas. While air pollution impacts everyone, certain groups are more vulnerable to its adverse effects. These include people with lung diseases such as asthma, infants and young children, those who work or exercise outdoors, and individuals with cardiovascular disease. Low-income communities and minority populations are also disproportionately exposed to air pollution and are at a higher risk of health complications. The main sources of indoor air pollution are cooking, heating, and lighting with solid fuels or kerosene, while outdoor air pollution comes from residential energy use, vehicles, power generation, agriculture, waste incineration, and industry. Air pollution has severe health consequences, contributing to respiratory issues, heart disease, lung cancer, and premature deaths.

During exercise or outdoor work

Air pollution can have a detrimental impact on health, and this is especially true when exercising or working outdoors. Here are some ways in which air pollution can affect us during these activities:

• Increased health risks: A study published in the European Heart Journal found that while physical activity is generally beneficial for cardiovascular health, exercising in highly polluted air can have the opposite effect. Specifically, exposure to high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 or PM10) was linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Impact on respiratory system: The respiratory system is the body's first line of defence against air pollutants. When exercising in polluted air, the risk of airway inflammation, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even lung cancer increases.
• Cardiovascular health: There is a complex relationship between air pollution and cardiovascular health. On the one hand, physical activity can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, exercising in highly polluted air may have negative effects, especially for those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
• Metabolic health: Air pollution and physical activity can also impact metabolic health, including the risk of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. While physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity, air pollution can disrupt glucose metabolism and increase insulin resistance.
• Mental health: Air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and depression. However, physical activity can have a protective effect on mental health, improving cognition and reducing the risk of psychiatric disorders.
• Intensity and duration of exercise: The intensity and duration of exercise also play a role. Higher-intensity exercises contribute to the level of risk posed by air pollution. Prolonged exposure to air pollution, even during moderate-intensity exercises, can have negative effects.
• Location and timing: The location of the exercise or outdoor work also matters. It is best to avoid busy roads and major cities with high levels of air pollution. Additionally, air pollution tends to be higher during rush hours and on hot, sunny days. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise during off-peak hours and in areas with better air quality.

In low-income countries

Air pollution is one of the leading causes of health complications and mortality worldwide, with outdoor pollutants causing over 4 million deaths each year and indoor air pollution causing 2.3 million. It also impacts productivity, exacerbates inequalities, and reduces cognitive abilities.

In addition, low-income groups are more exposed to air pollution because they are more likely to work in jobs that require outdoor physical labor. They also tend to have more limited access to adequate and affordable healthcare, increasing mortality rates.

Low-income countries often have less developed healthcare systems, which further exacerbates the impact of air pollution on their populations. For example, in Sub-Saharan Africa, 716 million of the world's lowest-income people live in areas with unsafe levels of air pollution.

The impact of air pollution on low-income countries is not limited to health complications and mortality. It also reinforces socioeconomic inequalities. Industrial plants, transport corridors, and other pollution sources are disproportionately placed in low-income neighborhoods, driving down housing prices and reinforcing their status as low-income areas.

Furthermore, the nature of occupations and healthcare systems in low-income countries differs significantly from those in high-income countries. Therefore, studies from high-income nations on the health risks associated with air pollution may not be directly applicable to low-income communities.

Overall, air pollution in low-income countries has wide-ranging and profound impacts on human health, well-being, and socioeconomic development prospects. Addressing this issue requires targeted measures to reduce pollution intensity, improve healthcare access, and remove incentives that perpetuate the over-consumption of fossil fuels.

For people with lung diseases

People with lung diseases are more vulnerable to the adverse health effects of air pollution. Air pollution can induce acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the onset of asthma, increasing respiratory morbidity and mortality.

Air pollution can cause wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, susceptibility to infections, heart attacks, strokes, impaired cognitive functioning, metabolic disorders, and preterm births and low birth weight. It can also trigger illness, hospitalisation, and premature death.

Additionally, people with lung diseases should regulate their daily activities according to the local air quality index (AQI). The AQI provides information on the level of air pollution and the associated health risks. When the AQI reaches a certain level, individuals with lung diseases should reduce their time outdoors and exertion levels.

Furthermore, wearing personal protective equipment, such as N95 masks or equivalent, can help avoid the detrimental effects of ambient air pollutants. Masks with activated carbon are more efficient in absorbing gaseous chemicals but may not be comfortable for long-term use.

Overall, people with lung diseases are at a higher risk of experiencing the harmful effects of air pollution, and taking proactive measures to reduce exposure is crucial for managing their health.

Near busy roadways

Living near busy roadways can expose people to higher levels of air contaminants, which can have adverse health effects. These include reduced lung function, and cardiovascular disease. Children, older adults, people with pre-existing cardiopulmonary disease, and people living in low socioeconomic communities are among those at higher risk for health impacts associated with living near busy roadways.

The following are some ways to protect yourself from the health risks of living near busy roadways:

• Keep your distance from freeways and busy roads.
• Avoid living near major roads, which can pose health risks similar to freeways.
• Use filters, but be aware of their limitations.
• Find physical barriers, such as living behind a sound wall with thick trees and plants.
• Avoid early morning exercise near traffic.
• Drive less, and use the 'recirculate' button.
• Stay away from interchanges, intersections and other hot spots.
• Be aware of the type of vehicles in your neighborhood.
• Clean the dust, but worry more about the pollution you can't see.
• Don't count on electric cars to eliminate the problem.

In indoor environments

Indoor air pollution is a serious threat to human health, causing millions of deaths each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that indoor air pollution is responsible for 3.8 million deaths annually.

Indoor air pollution is caused by a variety of sources, including:

• Occupant activities, such as cooking, smoking, use of electronic machines, use of consumer products, or emission from building materials.
• Outdoor air pollution, which can enter buildings through open doors, windows, ventilation systems, and cracks in structures.
• Poorly designed, maintained, or operated ventilation systems.
• Building materials, such as poly(vinyl chloride) PVC floor covering, parquet, linoleum, rubber carpet, adhesive, lacquer, paint, sealant, and particle board, which can shed toxic compounds.

The effects of indoor air pollution on human health include:

• Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
• Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
• Respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer.
• Asthma attacks.
• Noncommunicable diseases such as stroke, ischaemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.
• Low birth weight, tuberculosis, cataract, nasopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers.

To reduce exposure to indoor air pollution, it is recommended to:

• Increase ventilation by opening windows and doors, or using exhaust fans.
• Use properly adjusted gas appliances and stoves.
• Choose properly sized wood stoves that are certified to meet EPA emission standards.
• Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and maintain central heating systems, furnaces, flues, and chimneys annually.
• Repair any leaks promptly.
• Avoid smoking indoors.
• Install and use exhaust fans vented to outdoors in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Vent clothes dryers to outdoors.
• Clean and maintain humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, and refrigerators regularly.
• Keep the house clean, particularly areas where children play.
• Use basements as living areas only if they are leak-proof and have adequate ventilation.
• Avoid bringing lead dust into the home, and eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and iron.

Frequently asked questions