Air Pollution: How Does Each Breath Impact Our Health?

Everyone knows breathing is important for living, but do you know each breath affects your health? The reason is growing air pollution.    Air pollution is one of the most concerning issues of today. Although invisible, it has a very visible impact on human health. With industrialisation, urbanisation, and increased vehicle emissions, the atmosphere is burdened with harmful pollutants.    The breath we take for oxygen has become a combination of harmful substances that is leaving a significant impact on human health. In this blog, let’s explore the causes of air pollution, its effects and its impact, Air Quality Index(AQI) and Air Quality Monitor.

Understanding of Air Pollution

In layman’s language, air pollution is anything that makes air contaminated and toxic. Polluted air not only affects our lungs but all parts of our bodies. The toxic pollutants present in the air adversely affect our health and the environment. These pollutants are categorised as primary pollutants and secondary pollutants.   Primary Pollutants

• Particulate Matter: These are the tiny pieces of solids or liquids in the air, such as dust, dirt and smoke.

• Nitrogen dioxide: These are the reddish-brown gas particles in the air produced from burning fuels like vehicles and power plants.

• Sulphur dioxide: These are the gas particles produced by industrial processes and burning fossil fuels.

  Secondary Pollutants Secondary pollutants are not emitted directly but form a layer in the atmosphere by chemical reactions. 

• Ozone: Ozone is produced when sunlight is mixed with particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and other gases. 

 

Causes of Air Pollution

Air pollution is a global issue. The major causes of air pollution are:

1. Transportation

All vehicles like cars, buses and motorcycles release exhaust fumes, especially those that run on fuel, which are the major causes of urban air pollution. 

2. Industrial Processes

Factories emit a range of pollutants and chemicals in the form of smoke, contributing to air pollution. 

3. Household Activities

Indoor air pollution is as harmful as outdoor pollution. Everyday activities like cleaning and cooking can add to polluted air. 

4. Natural Sources

Natural sources such as wildfires, volcanic eruptions and dust storms have a significant impact on air quality. 

Impact of Air Pollution

Air pollution adversely affects various systems in our body and can lead to severe health effects.

1. Respiratory Health

The respiratory system is most affected by the air quality. Pollutants irritate the lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, asthma or() Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD). Inhalation of polluted air can even lead to:  

• Increased Asthma Attacks: Air pollutants trigger inflammation and aggravate asthma symptoms, leading to more frequent attacks.

• Reduced Lung Function: Constant exposure to air pollutants can lead to the weakening of lungs and even permanent damage.

• Respiratory Infections: Polluted air weakens the immune system, making people more susceptible to respiratory infections.

  Air Pollution can affect your lungs severely and it is essential to consult with a Pulmonology specialist to keep your respiratory health at its best. Criticare Lifeline Hospital has the best Pulmonology in Panvel, catering to all your respiratory health needs and requirements depending on your conditions and symptoms.

2. Cardiovascular Health

Polluted air can even lead to many cardiovascular diseases. It can lead to:

• Increased Blood Pressure: Polluted air causes inflammation and oxidative stress, which leads to hypertension.

• Heart Attacks and Strokes: Polluted air triggers heart attacks and strokes, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Neurological Health

Polluted air is related to neurological health as well. Long-term exposure to polluted air may lead to:

• Cognitive Decline: Cognitive decline is the condition of memory loss, reduced or slower thinking skills, or other mental incapabilities. Older adults may experience faster cognitive decline because of the polluted air. 

• Increased Risk of Dementia: Dementia is a loss of cognitive functioning to the extent it may affect your daily life and activities. Long-term exposure to polluted air may increase the risk of dementia. 

Other Impacts

• Premature Death: Long-term exposure to polluted air may be as severe as shortening your life, causing premature death. 

• Developmental Issues: Air pollution can slow and stunt lung development in growing children, harming their health from a young age, and increasing risks of life-threatening diseases in the future. 

Air Quality Index (AQI)

Monitoring air quality can help adverse pollution effects on your health. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardised measure that quantifies the level of air pollution in a specific area. It typically ranges from 0-500, with higher values indicating greater pollution. It categorises air quality into different colour-coded levels making it easier to understand.  

• 0-50(Good): Air quality is satisfactory, and pollution poses little to no harm. The colour code for this is Green.

• 51-100(Moderate): Air quality is acceptable. However, some people, mainly those who are sensitive to polluted air or who have breathing problems, may be at risk. The Colour code is Yellow.

• 101-150(Unhealthy to sensitive group): Individuals from sensitive groups like older adults and children, and with pre-existing diseases may suffer health consequences, while the general population is less prone to be impacted. The colour code is Orange.

• 151-200(Unhealthy): Even some healthy people may suffer health consequences, while the vulnerable group may face more catastrophic effects. The colour code is Red.

• 201-300(Very Unhealthy): Health warning; everyone is at risk of increased health effects. The colour code is Purple.

• Above 300(Hazardous): Health warning of emergency conditions; everyone is prone to be severely impacted. Stepping outside may be fatal. The colour code is Maroon.

Mitigating the Impact of Air Pollution

There is always room for hope and improvement. We can do the needful from our ends for our protection from the causes of polluted air.

• Awareness: Staying aware and raising awareness about the air quality in your area and making informed decisions about stepping outside.

• Using energy-efficient appliances: Invest in energy-saving appliances to reduce household emissions.

• Use air purifiers: Invest in home air purifiers to improve indoor air quality.

• Reduce car emissions: Carpool, use public transportation or switch to electric vehicles to reduce car emissions.

• Advocate for change: Support policies and initiatives that aim to reduce polluted air and promote clean energy sources.

  Air pollution can damage different organs of your body. It is essential to consult with a specialist in the appropriate field of medicine, depending on your symptoms. Various specialists play a crucial role in diseases related to polluted air. These include Pulmonology, Cardiology, Neurology, Dermatology, Paediatrics and others depending on your symptoms and health conditions. Criticare Lifeline Hospital Panvel has experts in all the specific fields of medicine.

Conclusion

Air pollution is a critical issue that is impacting human health to a greater extent. If the causes of polluted air are controlled in time, the effects may become severe. It is important to understand the causes, and impact of polluted air and work towards eliminating the causes to maintain breathable air quality.