How Air Pollution Impacts our Health

Air pollution is a term that we all fear. It is one of the major reasons for problems to our health. The problems caused due to air pollution are very complex and there are plenty of responsible sources. These pollutants all have the serious impact on human health and can cause several major lungs and respiratory problems.

It is a myth that only the air quality in cities has been affected. The quality of air has become worse not only in urban areas but also in the rural areas. In most developing countries, the air indoors also becoming polluted, and hence causing a threat to health, is becoming a rising cause for concern.

Who Should be Blamed?

As mentioned earlier, there are a few main primary air pollutants that are responsible for air pollution. It is wise to know about these pollutants so as to maintain distance from them

• Sulphur Dioxide: This gas is mostly released when fossil fuels are burnt.
• Nitrogen Dioxide: Staying away from road traffic and indoor cookers can help in ensuring that one does not come in contact with this particular pollutant.
• Ozone: A reaction between strong sunlight, traffic, natural, and industrial air can give rise to the formation of this pollutant.
• Particulate Matter
• Metals that include lead, mercury etc.

The Impacts of These Pollutants

These air pollutants leave no stone unturned while they act to cause destruction to our healthy bodies. Here are some of the problems that are caused by contact with Ozone.

• It increases the rate of onset of respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema.
• Ozone also causes the condition of the throat to deteriorate with other symptoms present that begin with coughing and is then followed by with a headache, nausea, dry throat, and chest pain.
• The resistance of the immune system decreases and we become more prone to infections.
• High chances of increased fatigue.
• Slowing down of athletic performance.

Here Are Some of The Issues Arising Because of Particulate Matter

• Proved symptoms of asthma.
• Increase development of respiratory diseases in children.
• Decreasing functioning of the lungs
• The irregular beating of the heart.
• Serious heart attacks.
• Untimely death caused by heart or lung problems in people suffering from heart or lung disease.

It's Effect on Our Health

The famous London fog that took place in the year 1952 affected a huge number of people and the incident made people aware of the adverse effects that could happen due to industrialization. More than 4000 people died in the course of the tragedy.

Results have shown that the air that is released indoors affects the lungs more than the air pollutants that people breathe in the air outside.

A Few Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health Include:

• Increase our chances of getting asthma.
• The functioning of the lung always tends to decrease if exposed to ozone for a duration of 6-7 hours.
• The carcinogens present in the air pollutants can increase the risk of cancer.
• It also causes coughing and wheezing problems.
• The damage that is caused to the endocrine and reproductive systems is another danger of being exposed to air pollution.
• The loss suffered in the functioning of lungs.
• Increased chances of heart-related problems