[INFORMATIVE] The link between air pollution and respiratory health
The link between air pollution and respiratory health
By: Rodaina Nasreldeen
Introduction
Air pollution is one of the most urgent issues affecting the world and people’s health, with an explicit reference to respiratory ailments. Small-scale industries and transportation systems have increased their emission of pollutants into the atmosphere along with the advancement of industrialization and urbanization. This paper will discuss the gravities of air pollution on respiratory health, categorizing the types of pollutants, their origin, their consequences on health, and measures to diminish the impacts.
Types of Air Pollutants
The gaseous and particulate matter emitted into the air includes different types of air pollutants that differ in origin and impact on people’s health. Combustion products and industrial emissions classified under particulate matter (PM) consist of fine particulates (PM2. 5) and coarse particulates (PM10). These can also move very far into the lungs and cause respiratory tract inflammation and irritation. Fine particles can be primary or secondary where fine particles can be primordial or evolved from reactions taking place under the action of the sun on the precursor pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds leading to the formation of ground-level ozone which in turn reduces lung’s capacity and triggers asthmatic symptoms.
Sources and Emissions
The origin of air pollutants is vast due to natural and anthropogenic influencing factors. Burning of fossil fuels in automobiles, generating plants, and several industrial applications emit various pollutants that include carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Farmers' burning of crops and rearing of livestock also release ammonia (NH3) and Methane (CH4) which act as extra devastation to air quality. Other human activities that release gases into the atmosphere are also from natural events such as fires and volcanic activities, although not continuous.
Impact on Respiratory Health
The disastrous impact of air pollution on the respiratory system is not exclusive to any age bracket of the population but affects the vulnerable most. Dust particles and ozone inflame the airways and may cause asthma or COPD or worsen one’s condition if one has it. Most are breathing ailments that are associated with long-term effects as they increase respiratory infections, reduce lung function, and increase mortality rates from respiratory diseases. Members of vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with sensitive respiratory systems are worst affected by pollution.
The gaseous and particulate matter emitted into the air includes different types of air pollutants that differ in origin and impact on people’s health. Combustion products and industrial emissions classified under particulate matter (PM) consist of fine particulates (PM2. 5) and coarse particulates (PM10). These can also move very far into the lungs and cause respiratory tract inflammation and irritation. Fine particles can be primary or secondary where fine particles can be primordial or evolved from reactions taking place under the action of the sun on the precursor pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds leading to the formation of ground-level ozone which in turn reduces lung’s capacity and triggers asthmatic symptoms.
Sources and Emissions
The origin of air pollutants is vast due to natural and anthropogenic influencing factors. Burning of fossil fuels in automobiles, generating plants, and several industrial applications emit various pollutants that include carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Farmers' burning of crops and rearing of livestock also release ammonia (NH3) and Methane (CH4) which act as extra devastation to air quality. Other human activities that release gases into the atmosphere are also from natural events such as fires and volcanic activities, although not continuous.
Impact on Respiratory Health
The disastrous impact of air pollution on the respiratory system is not exclusive to any age bracket of the population but affects the vulnerable most. Dust particles and ozone inflame the airways and may cause asthma or COPD or worsen one’s condition if one has it. Most are breathing ailments that are associated with long-term effects as they increase respiratory infections, reduce lung function, and increase mortality rates from respiratory diseases. Members of vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with sensitive respiratory systems are worst affected by pollution.
Long-term Effects
Long-term exposure to the effects of air pollution consistently increases the chances of one developing chronic respiratory-related illnesses and other complications. Research for this script proves that increased duration of the period for PM2. 5 thus raises the risk of contracting lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases, signifying that air pollutants affect bodies more than their respiratory organs. Respiratory diseases caused by air pollution create high costs borne by healthcare systems and reduce the population’s well-being.
Mitigation Strategies
Long-term exposure to the effects of air pollution consistently increases the chances of one developing chronic respiratory-related illnesses and other complications. Research for this script proves that increased duration of the period for PM2. 5 thus raises the risk of contracting lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases, signifying that air pollutants affect bodies more than their respiratory organs. Respiratory diseases caused by air pollution create high costs borne by healthcare systems and reduce the population’s well-being.
Mitigation Strategies
Solving the problem of air pollution is concerned with the development of broad measures on the local, national, and international levels. Policies including emissions control of automobiles and industries need to be adopted along with the establishment of clean technologies and renewable energy. Such light traffic that is associated with urban planning that favors public means of transport, cycling, and walking can considerably reduce vehicular emissions and help enhance air quality in urban centers. Eco-literacy, which is raising public awareness concerning the dangers of air pollution alongside the promotion of healthy lifestyles forms the basis of the community’s support of clean air. Conclusion Thus, it would be pertinent to state that air pollution and respiratory health are directly related and need immediate attention. For sustenance and preservation of respiratory health, domestic as well as international measures including reduction of pollutants emissions, safeguarding of the susceptibles, and sustainability are the call of the day. By putting into practice strict measures as well as venturing into adopting different types of clean technologies besides raising public awareness, societies can reduce the impacts caused by air pollution to a required level to promote aesthetic health among generations in the future.
Sources
1. World Health Organization. "Ambient (Outdoor) Air Quality and Health." World Health Organization, 2018, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health
1. World Health Organization. "Ambient (Outdoor) Air Quality and Health." World Health Organization, 2018, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health
2. United States Environmental Protection Agency. "Air Pollutants." EPA, 2020, https://www.epa.gov/air-quality-management-process/air-pollutants
3. Lelieveld, J., et al. "The Contribution of Outdoor Air Pollution Sources to Premature Mortality on a Global Scale." Nature, vol. 525, no. 7569, 2015, pp. 367-371. doi:10.1038/nature15371
4. Dockery, D. W., and C. A. Pope. "Acute Respiratory Effects of Particulate Air Pollution." Annual Review of Public Health, vol. 17, 1996, pp. 97-108. doi:10.1146/annurev.pu.17.050196.000525
5. Brook, R. D., et al. "Particulate Matter Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease." Circulation, vol. 121, no. 21, 2010, pp. 2331-2378. doi:10.1161/CIR.0b013e3181dbece1
6. International Agency for Research on Cancer. "Outdoor Air Pollution a Leading Environmental Cause of Cancer Deaths." IARC, 2016, https://www.iarc.who.int/news-events/iarc-outdoor-air-pollution-a-leading-environmental-cause-of-cancer-deaths
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