Air Pollution: Who's At Risk And Why?

Air pollution can be harmful to anyone, but certain groups are more vulnerable to its adverse effects. These sensitive groups make up a significant proportion of the population and include children, the elderly, pregnant people, and those with pre-existing health conditions such as heart and lung diseases, asthma, diabetes, and respiratory issues. People who spend a lot of time outdoors are also more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution. It is important for individuals in these sensitive groups to be aware of real-time air quality information and take necessary precautions to protect their health.

People with heart or lung disease

Air pollution is a complex mixture of gases, liquids, and particulate matter, with sources ranging from traffic and factories to power generation and wildfires. Short-term exposure to air pollution, even for a few days, can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, arrhythmias, and heart failure in susceptible individuals. The risk of mortality is even greater with long-term exposure.

Particulate matter, or PM, refers to a group of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air that are small enough to be inhaled. The size of these particles is an important factor in determining their health effects. Larger particles, such as PM10, are typically deposited in the nasal cavities and upper airways, while smaller particles, such as PM2.5 and PM0.1, can penetrate the lung alveoli and enter the bloodstream, leading to adverse health outcomes. These smaller particles have been linked to increased respiratory symptoms, decreased lung function, and a higher incidence of chronic cough, bronchitis, and conjunctivitis.

Medical studies have also found a link between air pollution and cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke. Air pollution contributes to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, which is plaque buildup in the artery walls. Additionally, short-term elevations in ambient particle levels can trigger cardiac arrhythmias, worsen heart failure, and lead to acute atherosclerotic/ischemic cardiovascular complications.

It is important for individuals with heart or lung disease to be aware of air quality conditions and take necessary precautions. Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) tools can help monitor air pollution levels and plan outdoor activities accordingly. When air pollution levels are high, reducing the amount of time spent outdoors or engaging in indoor activities can help minimize exposure and potential health risks.

Children and teens

Children are more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution during fetal development, the first few years of life, and puberty, as these life stages can influence later growth and development. Their natural biological defences are less developed, and the protective barrier surrounding the brain is not fully formed. Their nasal passages are also less effective at filtering out pollutants, increasing their exposure to harmful substances.

Children's unique activity patterns and behaviours also put them at greater risk. They often play on the ground, amidst dirt and dust that may carry toxicants, and they frequently put their hands, toys, and other items in their mouths, inadvertently ingesting harmful substances. Their tendency to spend more time outdoors and engage in physical activity further increases their exposure to air pollution.

The health effects of air pollution on children can be significant. Studies have linked air pollution to adverse respiratory health outcomes, including asthma, other respiratory symptoms, and deficits in lung function and growth. It has also been associated with increased mortality in children, including sudden infant death syndrome in developed countries. Other potential impacts include vitamin D deficiency, alterations in the immune system, and pregnancy outcomes.

It is crucial to prioritize air quality standards and implement measures to reduce children's exposure to air pollution, such as the Children's Environmental Health Protection Act passed in California in 1999. By taking proactive steps, we can protect children's health and support sustainable development for future generations.

Pregnant people

The foetus is highly susceptible to environmental contaminants during its development, and air pollution can interfere with organ development and organogenesis. This can lead to low birth weight, early birth, and improper immune system development, increasing the risk of infant mortality. Research has also found a correlation between air pollution and preterm labour, with the risk being highest during a subsequent pregnancy. Additionally, exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can have long-term respiratory implications for the child, increasing the likelihood of asthma and allergies later in life.

To mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution during pregnancy, pregnant people can take protective measures such as limiting outdoor activities on high-pollution days, wearing face coverings when outdoors, and using quality air filters and air purifiers at home. Additionally, creating a healthy indoor environment by using natural household cleaners, venting when cooking, and avoiding indoor contaminants like smoke, paint, and mould can help reduce exposure to air pollution.

Furthermore, noise pollution, both indoors and outdoors, poses severe health risks to the foetus. Loud noises can negatively impact the foetus's hearing and overall health, underscoring the importance of limiting exposure to noise pollution during pregnancy.

People with diabetes

Sensitive groups for air pollution include children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. People with diabetes are considered a sensitive group, and this includes both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that prevents the pancreas from producing enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. It is often diagnosed in children and younger adults, but it can also affect older people. Type 2 diabetes is linked to older age, genetics, diet, lifestyle habits, and particular socio-economic factors. People from minority communities, including American Indians, Latinos, Asians, African Americans, and Black, Asian, and Hispanic people in the UK, are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. This is largely due to socio-economic factors, such as lower incomes, which can limit access to quality healthcare, nutritious food, and opportunities for exercise.

Medical studies have shown that air pollutants can impair glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, increasing the risk of Type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes should therefore limit their exposure to air pollution, especially when the daily AQI pollutant is in the orange or red zones. These levels of air pollution can be caused by emissions from factories, power plants, wildfires, and vehicle emissions, as well as seasonal pollen and weather conditions.

Air pollution is a particular concern for people with diabetes as it is a leading cause of insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetic nephropathy and kidney disease. It can also cause diabetic neuropathy, which is nerve damage that can affect the entire body and lead to gastroparesis. Diabetic retinopathy can also occur, causing impaired vision or even blindness. Furthermore, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in people with Type 2 diabetes, and air pollution can increase the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

Older adults

Air pollution can aggravate these conditions and lead to increased medication use, more visits to healthcare providers, and even hospital admissions and death. Ozone and particulate matter, especially smaller, fine particle pollution (PM 2.5), have the greatest potential to affect the health of older adults. Fine particle pollution has been linked to premature death, cardiac arrhythmias and heart attacks, asthma attacks, and the development of chronic bronchitis. Ozone, even at low levels, can exacerbate respiratory diseases.

In addition to physical health, air pollution can also impact the mental health of older adults. While the beneficial effects of physical activity on mental health-related outcomes, such as depression and cognition, are maintained even after exposure to pollutants, the impact on physical health can still be detrimental.

The susceptibility to the adverse effects of air pollution can vary between individuals and over time. Frailty and pre-existing diseases may determine an older adult's vulnerability to air pollution. In some cases, exposure to air pollutants may even be fatal for older adults.

It is important for older adults and their caregivers to be aware of environmental health risks and take steps to reduce those risks, such as checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) and limiting outdoor activities on days when air pollution levels are high.

Frequently asked questions