Ambient (outdoor) air pollution is estimated to have caused 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2019.
Air pollution, especially the presence of particulate matter (PM), can irritate the respiratory system. Short-term exposure can lead to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, while long-term exposure can contribute to the development of chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Respiratory problems caused by air pollution are a significant health concern, and exposure to polluted air can have various adverse effects on the respiratory system. Here are some of the respiratory problems associated with air pollution:
Air pollution is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. It can lead to inflammation of blood vessels, increased blood pressure, and the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Air pollution has significant cardiovascular effects, which means it can impact the heart and circulatory system. These effects can range from acute problems to long-term cardiovascular diseases. Here are some of the key cardiovascular effects of air pollution:
Children exposed to air pollution can experience impaired lung development, which can have long-lasting effects on their respiratory health throughout their lives.
Exposure to air pollution, especially during critical developmental stages, can have detrimental effects on lung development in children. The developing lungs are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollutants. Here's how air pollution can impair lung development in children:
Some studies have indicated a potential link between air pollution and mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, though more research is needed in this area.
Emerging research suggests that air pollution can have a significant impact on mental health in addition to its well-documented effects on physical health. While the precise mechanisms are still being studied, several associations between air pollution and mental health problems have been observed. Here are some ways in which air pollution may affect mental health:
Long-term exposure to certain air pollutants, such as fine particulate matter and benzene, is associated with an increased risk of developing lung cancer, a serious and often fatal disease.
Air pollution is a known environmental risk factor for lung cancer, and there is a strong association between exposure to certain air pollutants and an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Here are the key impacts of air pollution on lung cancer: