How do high levels of air pollution impact human health?
High levels of air pollution can have significant negative impacts on human health. Exposure to pollutants in the air, such as particulate matter (PM), ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO), can lead to various respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. These include aggravated asthma, bronchitis, reduced lung function, lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and even premature death. Infants, children, older adults, and individuals with existing respiratory or cardiovascular diseases are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution.
Long answer
When people breathe in polluted air, it can cause inflammation and irritation of the respiratory system. Fine particles (PM2.5) from sources like vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and wildfires can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. This exposure has been linked to chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and increased risk of pneumonia.
Ozone is another common air pollutant that forms through chemical reactions between precursor pollutants in the presence of sunlight. It primarily affects the respiratory system by causing inflammation of the airways and reducing lung function. Long-term exposure to high levels of ozone has been associated with accelerated decline in lung function among children and adults.
Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide are mainly released from burning fossil fuels like coal and diesel. These pollutants can irritate the respiratory system, leading to wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless gas produced from incomplete combustion processes such as vehicle exhaust fumes or faulty heating systems indoors. It binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells more efficiently than oxygen does, reducing oxygen supply throughout the body. This can result in tissue damage or dysfunction in organs like the heart and brain.
Additionally, prolonged exposure to high levels of air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Fine particles and certain gases can enter the bloodstream after inhalation, promoting the development of atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular conditions.
It is important to note that the severity of health impacts from air pollution depends on factors like pollutant concentrations, duration and frequency of exposure, individual susceptibility, and co-existent health conditions. Governments and societies must prioritize reducing air pollution through emissions controls, transitioning to cleaner energy sources, sustainable transport systems, and proactive public health measures to protect human health from such harmful effects.