EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION ON HEALTH

When the air we breathe and surrounds us contains harmful substances, we term the phenomenon air pollution. The effect of air pollution on health is an important environmental issue. 
Air pollution effects can cause various health problems, including respiratory infections, heart disease, and cancer. The elderly, children, and people with preexisting health conditions are especially susceptible to the effects of air pollution.
When you exercise or work outside, you breathe more deeply, and polluted air can easily enter your lungs and bloodstream. Additionally, people who live in areas with high levels of air pollution are more likely to develop health problems such as respiratory problems, cardiovascular problems etc. 
In this guide, Wellness Forever will provide an overview of air pollution through its type, causes, and effects on human health. Also, learn how you can protect yourself from air pollution.

Types of Air Pollution

There are two main types of air pollution:

• Outdoor air pollution
• Indoor air pollution

Emissions from factories, cars, and human activities cause outdoor air pollution. These emissions can include:

• Sulfur dioxide
• Nitrogen oxides
• Carbon monoxide
• Particulate matter
• Ozone
• Lead

Indoor air pollution results from activities performed inside living spaces. Exhaust from the cooking stoves, heaters, cigarettes, etc., are some examples. These effects can be more severe for young children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Air Pollution Causes And Effects

Air pollution effects and causes have been the issues of concern worldwide. It is because air pollution has been proven to be one of the leading causes of death in humans. 
In most cases, human activities such as burning fossil fuels and industrial processes cause air pollution. These activities release harmful chemicals and gases into the atmosphere, eventually contaminating the air we breathe.
The air pollution effects are both widespread and severe. In India, air pollution is responsible for over 1.2 million premature deaths each year. The economic cost of air pollution in India is estimated to be $95 billion per year.

Let us understand the causes and effects of air pollution.

Sources of Air Pollution

The sources of air pollution in India are both natural and anthropogenic. Natural sources include forest fires, emissions from volcanoes, etc.

The main anthropogenic sources of air pollution in India are:

• Thermal Power Plants
• Automobiles
• Industries
• Biomass Burning

Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health

Air pollution has a range of effects on human health, from minor irritation to death. It can also damage crops, animals, and the natural environment. Air pollution effects include:

• Respiratory problems: Air pollution can cause many respiratory illnesses, including bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. People with respiratory problems may find it difficult to breathe and may experience coughing, wheezing, and chest pain.
• Cardiovascular problems: Air pollution can also cause cardiovascular problems like heart disease and stroke. People with cardiovascular problems may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat.
• Cancer: Some types of air pollution have been linked to cancer, including lung and bladder cancer.
• Congenital disabilities: Air pollution can cause congenital disabilities, including mental retardation, physical deformities, and respiratory problems.
• Environmental Problems: Air pollution can lead to the formation of acid rain, which can damage crops, buildings, and aquatic life. It can contribute to the greenhouse effect by trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Now that we have an overview of air pollution, let us learn about Air Quality Index (AQI). 

What is the Air Quality Index?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a number used by environmental agencies to communicate to the public how polluted the air is or how it is forecast to become. AQI values have distinct categories, each corresponding to a different level of health concern. 
A higher AQI value indicates a higher level of air pollution, which poses a greater health concern. For example, an AQI value over 300 symbolizes hazardous air quality, while an AQI value of 50 denotes good air quality.
The AQI can be used to monitor air quality daily and help people take steps to protect their health when air quality is poor. The AQI can also help plan for and respond to air pollution episodes, such as heat waves or ozone alerts.

How to Protect Yourself From Diseases Caused by Air pollution?

Diseases caused by air pollution and their solutions are interrelated. Solutions to air pollution can help reduce the number of illnesses caused by it. However, you can also use some simple tips to protect yourself and your family from diseases caused by air pollution.

• Follow a healthy lifestyle.
• Stay indoors when air pollution is high.
• Wear a mask when outdoors.
• Avoid high-risk areas.
• Monitor air quality reports.
• Check your local air quality index (AQI).
• Get regular checkups and screenings.
• Install an air filter in your home.
• Change your furnace filter regularly.
• Don’t burn leaves, wood, or trash.
• Reduce your car’s emissions.
• Use environment-friendly cleaning products.

These are some things you can do to protect yourself from diseases caused by air pollution. You can also consult a doctor to know more about how to protect yourself from diseases caused by air pollution.

Conclusion

The air pollution effects on human health vary with the pollutant, source of emissions, ambient concentrations, and individual characteristics such as age, gender, genetics, and nutrition. 
Infants, children, the elderly, and people with preexisting heart or lung conditions such as asthma are most vulnerable to air pollution’s health effects. One of the most serious health effects of air pollution is its contribution to the development of cardiovascular disease. 
Always consult a doctor if you or your family are experiencing health effects from air pollution or use products to help reduce air pollution exposure.
For more such insightful articles, visit the Wellness Forever blog.