Air Pollution Sensitivity: Why Am I Affected?

Some people are more sensitive to air pollution than others. Particle pollution is measured using the Air Quality Index (AQI), which runs from 0 to 500. The higher the AQI value, the worse the air quality and the greater the health concern. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, or Code Orange, air quality is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups”. Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, people with diabetes, and people of lower socioeconomic status.

People with pre-existing health conditions

People may have different levels of sensitivity to air pollution. While everyone should be cautious about the health effects of air pollution, certain groups are more vulnerable to its adverse effects. Those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly susceptible and are likely to experience symptoms due to air pollution.

People with heart and lung disease are more sensitive to particle pollution. Poor air quality can worsen their condition, leading to serious health effects. This is especially true when the Air Quality Index (AQI) indicates unhealthy levels of pollution. The AQI is a scale from 0 to 500, with higher values representing increased pollution and health risks. An AQI value over 300 is considered hazardous, and those with heart and lung conditions should take extra precautions during such periods.

Similarly, individuals with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, are vulnerable to air pollution. Studies have shown that children with asthma spend less time outdoors on days with high levels of particle pollution, indicating a direct impact on their daily lives. Older adults, aged 65 and above, are also more susceptible to air pollution due to potential pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Their bodies may also be more sensitive due to the ageing process, which can increase susceptibility to environmental hazards.

Additionally, people with diabetes are considered part of the sensitive group. They are advised to reduce heavy exertion when air quality is deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups (AQI between 101 and 150, or Code Orange). It is important for individuals with pre-existing health conditions to monitor air quality and follow recommended guidelines to reduce exposure to air pollution, especially during periods of high pollution levels.

Children and older adults

While air pollution is harmful to everyone, children and older adults are particularly vulnerable. Children are more susceptible to air pollution from when they are in the womb to when they reach adulthood. Their bodies, organs, and immune systems are still developing, and they have smaller airways. Children also breathe more rapidly and inhale more air per kilogram of body weight than adults. Their faster breathing rate and higher physical activity levels elevate their acquired dose of pollution. Moreover, children tend to breathe through their mouths, which means that pollution penetrates deep into their more permeable lower respiratory tract. As a result, children have more respiratory infections than adults, which increases their susceptibility to air pollution.

Children who grow up breathing high levels of air pollution are at greater risk of lung disease as they age. Over 1,200 deaths in people under 18 years of age are estimated to be caused by air pollution every year in EEA member and collaborating countries. Air pollution also causes low birth weight, asthma, reduced lung function, respiratory infections, and allergies in children. It further increases the risk of adult chronic diseases.

Older adults are also at increased risk of harm from air pollution. As people age, their bodies are less able to compensate for the effects of environmental hazards. Their lungs' breathing ability decreases, and their immune systems become less effective at protecting the lungs from inhaled contaminants. Exposure to air pollution increases susceptibility to respiratory infections, which raises the risk of pneumonia and other serious illnesses. Older adults are more likely to be living with chronic illnesses, such as lung and heart disease, which may be exacerbated by exposure to unhealthy air.

Fine particle pollution, such as PM 2.5, has been linked to premature death, cardiac arrhythmias, heart attacks, asthma attacks, and the development of chronic bronchitis in older adults. Ozone, even at low levels, can also exacerbate respiratory diseases. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the air quality and take steps to reduce the risks associated with air pollution, especially for children and older adults.

People with asthma

Additionally, pollutants can make people more susceptible to upper respiratory infections, which can trigger asthma symptoms. Air pollution can also increase the risk of sensitization and the responses to inhaled allergens in people with asthma. Obesity has also been found to modify the impact of air pollution on asthma, with overweight or obese children being more vulnerable to the effects of NO2 and SO2. Similarly, obese adults exposed to O3 experience poorer lung function compared to those with a normal weight.

To manage asthma during periods of high air pollution, individuals with asthma should limit their time outdoors, especially during the late morning and afternoon. Staying in a well-ventilated or air-conditioned building can help reduce exposure to outdoor pollutants. It is also recommended to avoid exercising or working hard outdoors when air pollution levels are unhealthy. Individuals with asthma should also be cautious when spending time indoors, as indoor air pollution can pose health risks. Taking steps to reduce allergens and irritants in the home, such as removing scented products and preventing mould growth, can improve indoor air quality.

It is important for people with asthma to pay attention to pollution levels and plan activities accordingly. Weather reports and the Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality Index (AQI) can provide information on pollution levels. On days with high pollution levels, increasing medication under the guidance of a doctor can be part of an asthma action plan.

People with diabetes

Several studies have found a positive association between air pollution exposure and the risk of T2DM. For example, a study by Lucht and colleagues showed that medium-term exposure to particulate matter and accumulation mode particle number was positively associated with fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels in non-diabetic adults. Additionally, short-term exposure to sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide was significantly associated with the presence of T2DM and increased hospitalization expenses.

The risk of pollution-related diabetes is higher in lower-income countries that lack clean air policies, such as India, China, and Indonesia. In the United States, African Americans are exposed to more air pollution than whites and are nearly twice as likely to develop T2DM. Research suggests that air pollution may play a role in the higher incidence of diabetes in this population, with long-term exposure to ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) being potential contributing factors.

To manage their sensitivity to air pollution, people with diabetes should focus on maintaining their blood sugar levels within a safe range through medication, diet, exercise, and other healthy habits. Even light exercise, such as walking, can have significant benefits, including improved blood sugar metabolism. Additionally, switching to a Mediterranean diet may help protect against certain health issues caused by air pollution.

People of lower socioeconomic status

Additionally, individuals of lower socioeconomic status may have limited access to healthcare, healthy food options, and quality jobs, further exacerbating the impact of air pollution on their health. They may also experience higher levels of stress and face discrimination, making them more susceptible to the adverse effects of pollution. The combination of higher exposure to pollutants and increased susceptibility to health threats creates a double burden for these communities.

Furthermore, people of color, who are often overrepresented in low-income communities, face additional risks. Systemic racism has contributed to the disproportionate exposure of people of color to air pollution. Racial-ethnic disparities in exposure are observed across emission sectors and regions, regardless of income level. This intersection of socioeconomic status and race further amplifies the sensitivity to air pollution for specific demographic groups.

The relationship between socioeconomic status and sensitivity to air pollution is complex and multifaceted. While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, it is clear that individuals of lower socioeconomic status bear a disproportionate burden when it comes to the health impacts of air pollution. This inequality in exposure and susceptibility underscores the importance of addressing environmental injustice and implementing effective regulations to reduce pollution and protect vulnerable communities.

To address this issue, NGOs and organizations are working to empower individuals from low-income communities to become more involved in the political process and drive local change. By advocating for stricter emissions regulations and holding decision-makers accountable, these communities can work towards reducing their exposure to air pollution and mitigating its detrimental health effects.

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