Key Health Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health: Risks and Insights

Effects of Air Pollution On Human Health: Many harmful health effects could occur from excessive amounts of air pollution exposure. It raises the risk of lung cancer, heart problems, and respiratory infections. Health effects have been associated with both short-term and long-term exposure to air pollution. Those who already have health issues are more severely impacted. The elderly, marginalized, and children are particularly vulnerable. The most dangerous pollutants are fine PM2.5 particles, which deeply penetrate lung passages and are strongly linked to disproportionately high early death.

Air pollution is the term associated with one of the most hazardous means of pollution which affects humans leading to severe respiratory diseases and can sometimes even prove to be fatal. Air pollution is the contamination of air due to numerous factors, both natural and human, which in turn disturbs the ecological balance of the environment, leading to disturbed natural occurrences and interrupted lives of humans.

The causes of air pollution are both natural & man-made. Several factors contribute to the continued worsening of air and the impact faced by humans.

• Natural Factors: Volcanic eruption & continual radioactive decay release infectious gases such as Sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other particulate matter. Natural calamities such as tornadoes and storms result in flying dust and particulate matter that lead to throat congestion and asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

• Stubble Burning: Air pollution is caused by stubble burning which takes place in Haryana & Punjab, where after harvesting the leftover crops are lit to fire. This releases toxic chemicals in the air which along the north go towards the northeast direction and infect crores of people causing respiratory diseases with throat congestion and extreme suffocation.

• Man-made Factors: For man-made causes, the human is solely responsible and more than enough to increase the AQI (Air Quality Index) and take it to the poorest category. Apart from this people who smoke or release smoke through other means, such as bursting crackers, mining, smelting, other industrial activities or burning forests etc, all add upto the percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. And with deforestation continuously increasing, the amount of oxygen to be reciprocated is falling short and people are facing chronic lung problems.

Air pollution contains contaminated air with extreme amounts of pollutants. Inhalation of such air exposes us to the risk of many diseases and sometimes, due to prolonged exposure, it might also be fatal. According to WHO (World Health Organisation), 99% of people of the world breathe in polluted air and 7 million people die every year due to diseases caused by air pollution.

Air pollution targets the lungs of people. It results in chronic respiratory diseases, that is, those which last very long, ultimately till death. It cause coronary illness, which means creating blockage of air in heart and not being able to breathe as the blood supply is cut off. This also results in COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) which results in extensive throat congestion, common cold, cough and incurable diseases such as Emphysema & Chronic Bronchitis.

Air pollution results in blockage of oxygen getting transferred into the lungs. Air pollution degrades the quality of air and this results in airflow blockage and breathing problems resulting in heart diseases and diabetes. It consists of symptoms of Emphysema & Chronic Bronchitis and is incurable if the stages turn to be after mild ones.

Emphysema is a lower respiratory tract disease in which air fills in body tissues due to which the person suffers from suffocation. Contaminated air that contains nitrogen dioxide release toxins in the person’s lower respiratory tract and the person’s lungs start to fall short for oxygen. The walls of the lungs alevoli break and this results in Lung cancer. The person might require extensive oxygen therapy to cure the congestion in his lungs but in most cases emphysema is treated as incurable.

Chronic Bronchitis is another such respiratory tract disease which is again incurable that slowly & steadily causes a decline in lungs function. The person suffers from sever coughing and sometimes, small amounts of blood too come out with the cough. This is because excess mucus gets trapped in the lungs passage that does not allow sufficient oxygen to pass in and out through the lungs & heart and ultimately cause a state that is again treated as incurable.

Due to burning of fossil fuels, Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide is released which lead to around 3.6 million deaths all over the world. They release toxins and chemicals that not only harm the lungs, but several other organs. Sulphur dioxide leads to cardiovascular diseases and leads to organ damage. It also leads to prenatal exposure in pregnant women, miscarriage and Alzheimer’s.

Around 3 lakh lung cancer cases occur every year due to SPM (Suspended Particulate Matter). Such diseases in turn also disturb the mental well being of the patient leading to anxiety and psychiatric diseases such as depression and stress.

About 1 in every 17 people develop lung cancer every year. Such high is the risk rate of being exposed to contaminated air for long. Cellular breakdown too starts to take place in lungs and an uncontrolled development of tumor cells begin to happen. This eventually causes a malignant growth of the tumor cells onto other parts of the body and the other organs start to disfunction. This results in lung cancer and ultimately death.

Air pollution affects the central nervous system causing slow running of brain, that is, blocking the neurons. This damages the mental ability of a person to think and act to situations, further causing diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease & Parkinson’s disease.

Alzheimer’s is a mental condition in which the central nervous system of a person is damaged which leads to forgetful habits and instances where in the person becomes unable to recall the previous scenarios which has a tremendous impact on his/her mental ability to respond and recall to situations.

It starts when the neurons get infected and stop transmitting messages. This disease hampers the mental stability of a person and leads to stiffness in muscles, and falls or strokes. The symptoms vary from depression to unstable physical and mental states of the person. It, however is not fatal but the last stages cause tremendous pain and hamper the mental peace of the person leading to anxiety and anger.

Introduction to Chronic Exposure

Chronic exposure to air pollution is a serious concern for populations worldwide, especially in urban areas where industrial activity and traffic congestion produce significant amounts of pollutants. Long-term exposure to these contaminants can lead to a range of adverse health effects, profoundly impacting the quality of life and health outcomes for millions.

Respiratory Diseases

Chronic exposure to pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide is strongly linked to an increased risk of respiratory diseases. Conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more prevalent in individuals living in highly polluted areas. These pollutants irritate and damage the airways, leading to inflammation and reduced lung function over time.

Cardiovascular Problems

Air pollution doesn’t just affect the respiratory system; it also poses significant risks to cardiovascular health. Long-term exposure is associated with increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension. Pollutants can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which lead to changes in heart rate, reduced elasticity of blood vessels, and increased likelihood of clot formation.

Impact on Children and Vulnerable Groups

Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions face higher risks from air pollution. Children are especially vulnerable as their lungs are still developing, and they breathe more air per body weight compared to adults. Chronic exposure can lead to developmental issues, reduced lung function, and increased incidence of childhood asthma.

Neurological Impact and Cognitive Decline

Emerging research suggests that air pollution may also affect the brain, potentially leading to cognitive decline and an increased risk of neurological disorders such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Particulate matter can travel through the bloodstream and cause oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, impacting neural functions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing the effects of chronic air pollution requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes stricter air quality regulations, encouraging the use of public transport, promoting green spaces in urban areas, and raising public awareness about the health risks of air pollution. Individuals can reduce their exposure by monitoring air quality forecasts and using air purifiers in their homes.

1. Monitor Air Quality Index (AQI)

Regularly check the Air Quality Index (AQI) in your area using local environmental agency websites or mobile apps. Plan outdoor activities when air quality is better, typically in the early morning or after rain. Staying informed helps you avoid exposure during high pollution periods.

2. Use Air Purifiers

Invest in a good air purifier for home, especially if you live in high-traffic areas. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can significantly reduce indoor pollutants such as particulate matter and allergens, ensuring cleaner breathing environments.

3. Incorporate House Plants

Adding air-purifying plants to your home can improve indoor air quality. Plants like spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies naturally remove toxins from the air, making them a healthy addition to any living space.

4. Keep Indoor Air Clean

To improve home air quality, avoid smoking indoors, minimize the use of candles and incense, and ensure that your stove and heating systems are well-ventilated. These steps help maintain a clean and healthy indoor environment.

5. Wear Masks

In areas with poor air quality, wearing masks for pollution protection like N95 respirators can help filter out harmful particles effectively. This is especially important during outdoor activities or commutes in densely populated urban areas.

6. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Eating foods rich in antioxidants can strengthen the immune system against the effects of pollution. Include plenty of antioxidant-rich foods in your diet, such as berries, nuts, and leafy greens, to help combat the adverse effects of air pollution.

7. Stay Hydrated

Drinking adequate water daily helps flush out toxins absorbed through the lungs and skin, aiding your body’s natural detoxification systems. Hydration is a simple yet effective way to enhance your body’s resilience against pollution.

8. Exercise Indoors

When air quality is poor, opt for indoor exercises. This reduces exposure to harmful pollutants while allowing you to stay active without compromising your lung health.

Also Read:

• Air Pollution
• Air Pollution Control – Definition, Types, Causes and Effects
• Difference Between Air Pollution and Green House Gases
• World Air Quality Index Report 2023

What are the 5 Health Effects of Air Pollution?

Air pollution has many dangerous effects on human health. Most of them are related to respiratory illness such as Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema, Chest pain or cardiac arrest, Asthma & constant throat congestion with severe coughing. All these finally lead to lung cancer.

What are the effects of Air Pollution on Human Health?

Air pollution causes excessive harm to human health as it leads to respiratory illnesses and increases the risk factor of early ageing and dying. It leads to lung cancer and heart attacks as it results in blockage of oxygen being transported to other parts of the body.

How does Air Pollution affect Human Health and the Environment?

Air pollution has a prolonged effect, that is, chronic diseases for humans, in particular, those concerned with lungs and heart. Air pollution decreases the level of ozone in the environment which in turn results in depletion of ozone layer. This also damages crops and fields, in turn affecting the environment.

What are the main Causes of Air Pollution?

The main cause of air pollution is stubble burning and fossil fuels. Poisonous gases such as Sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide etc are released on combustion of fuels. During festive seasons, burning of fire crackers also cause pollution.

What are the Effects of Air Pollution in India?

Around 1.6 million people died last year due to breathing in polluted air in India. It has widespread effects such as chronic respiratory diseases, and cellular breakdown in lungs etc. Altogether, it disrupts the mental and physical stability of the person and results in long haul harms to the individual’s nerves, mind, kidneys and other organs.