By Abhishek Kumar

Abstract:

 Air pollution is a major issue affecting both climate change and public health, leading to increased disease and mortality. Key pollutants like particulate matter (PM), ground-level ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metals can cause serious health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and central nervous system disorders. Climate change exacerbates the spread of infectious diseases and natural disasters. Addressing this crisis requires public awareness and a collaborative effort from scientific experts and organizations to find sustainable solutions.

Introduction

Air pollution” refers to the harmful impact of chemicals, gases, or particles on the atmosphere. These contaminants are so dangerous that they contribute to millions of deaths and health issues every year. In addition, they can harm living organisms, including crops, animals, and plants. Air pollution also leads to problems such as haze, acid rain, cancer, respiratory diseases, and the depletion of the ozone layer, which exacerbates global warming. Studies show that air pollution impairs children’s cognitive abilities in school, reduces the working hours of farm laborers, and negatively affects overall economic productivity (Almetwally  et al., 2020). Air pollution serves as a key driver of climate change and is viewed as one of the most pressing environmental challenges that humanity faces in the twenty-first century. Its impacts are far-reaching, affecting ecosystems, human health, and the stability of our climate, making it a critical issue that requires urgent attention and action (Matson 2001). The primary reason for conducting studies on air pollution is its significant impact on health. Air pollution has serious and harmful effects on well-being, leading to various health issues and illnesses. As a result, it has become a major global threat to human health and overall welfare, highlighting the urgent need for research and intervention in this critical area (Kampa and Castanas 2008). The pollutants can lead to discomfort, various diseases, and millions of fatalities annually. Additionally, they can harm vegetation and affect other living organisms, including animals and food crops. Air pollution can affect the quality of soil and water bodies by contaminating precipitation that falls into these environments (Change, 2023) . The Air Quality Index (AQI), established by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), measures daily air pollution levels and assesses their short-term health impacts. It is based on standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and focuses on pollutants like PM2.5 or PM10, requiring data from at least three pollutants. The AQI is divided into six categories to help people understand how air quality affects health. An AQI of 0-50 is considered excellent, with minimal risk to health, while 51-100 indicates moderate air quality with some concern for sensitive individuals. AQI levels between 101-150 are classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as those with lung disease, the elderly, and children. When AQI reaches 151-200, it becomes unhealthy for everyone, with more severe effects on vulnerable groups. Levels between 201-300 are very unhealthy, posing serious health risks to all. An AQI above 300 is hazardous, signaling emergency conditions that can affect the entire population.

Air pollutants types

Air pollutants are classified into four primary categories. Gaseous pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are emitted by vehicles and industrial activities, leading to problems like smog, acid rain, and respiratory diseases. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including substances like dioxins and PCBs, are long-lasting compounds that pose health risks through bioaccumulation and are produced by industrial processes and waste incineration. Heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, are toxic elements released in small amounts from vehicles and industries, but they can still cause significant harm to human health. Lastly, particulate matter (PM) consists of microscopic solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, which can cause respiratory issues when inhaled (Kampa & Castanas, 2008) .

 Sources of Air Pollution 

Air pollution stems from various sources: mobile sources like vehicles, stationary sources such as power plants and factories, area sources including agricultural and urban areas, and natural sources like wildfires and volcanoes. Each contributes uniquely to air quality degradation, highlighting the diverse origins of pollutants in the atmosphere. Air pollution is a major global issue, causing a significant number of deaths each year. The World Health Organization reports that around 2.4 million people die annually due to air pollution, with indoor pollution responsible for 1.5 million of these fatalities. In the U.S., over 500,000 deaths per year are linked to inhaling fine particles from pollution. Studies reveal a strong connection between pneumonia-related deaths and vehicle emissions. Remarkably, air pollution claims more lives globally than traffic accidents. It also worsens asthma, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases, while reducing life expectancy. However, advancements in diesel engine technology offer the potential to save many lives and reduce hospitalizations annually.(Sharma et al., n.d.).

Impact on Human health

Air toxics pose serious health risks across various organ systems, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and dermatological systems. Prolonged exposure increases the risk of cancer and disproportionately impacts vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions. Respiratory conditions like asthma and lung cancer are commonly linked to pollutants such as particulate matter and ozone. Cardiovascular problems, including heart disease and hypertension, are closely associated with air pollution, particularly traffic-related pollutants like nitrogen dioxide. Neurological and psychiatric disorders, along with long-term effects such as skin aging and potential carcinogenic risks, have also been observed. There is strong evidence suggesting a link between air pollution and autism spectrum disorders, possibly due to endocrine disruption (Ghorani-Azam et al., 2016). Air pollution is a major global issue, causing a significant number of deaths each year. The World Health Organization reports that around 2.4 million people die annually due to air pollution, with indoor pollution responsible for 1.5 million of these fatalities. In the U.S., over 500,000 deaths per year are linked to inhaling fine particles from pollution. Studies reveal a strong connection between pneumonia-related deaths and vehicle emissions. Remarkably, air pollution claims more lives globally than traffic accidents. It also worsens asthma, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases, while reducing life expectancy. However, advancements in diesel engine technology offer the potential to save many lives and reduce hospitalizations annually (Sharma et al., n.d.).  Recent studies have shown a clear connection between air pollution and respiratory issues like reduced lung function, asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and lung cancer (Almetwally et al., 2020).

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is the leading air pollutant contributing to severe health issues and early deaths. In 2021, 97% of the urban population was exposed to levels of PM2.5 exceeding the World Health Organization’s health-based guideline. According to the EEA, approximately 238,000 premature deaths in the 27 EU Member States in 2020 were due to PM2.5. That same year, premature deaths linked to PM2.5 exposure in the EU-27 decreased by 45% compared to 2005. One way that particulate matter (PM) leads to immediate health impacts is by disrupting the balance between oxidants and antioxidants in the respiratory system (Crobeddu et al., 2017). This imbalance triggers a series of inflammatory responses, heightening the risk of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases (Liu et al., 2014). Consequently, some epidemiological studies have indicated that the oxidative potential (OP) of particulate matter (PM)—which can be assessed through acellular assays—may serve as an important measure for certain acute (as opposed to chronic) health effects associated with PM (Bates et al., 2019) . The primary source of particulate matter in 2020 was energy consumption in residential, commercial, and institutional sectors. Manufacturing and extractive industries were also major contributors, while agriculture played a key role in PM10 emissions. Between 2005 and 2020, emissions of PM10 and PM2.5 dropped by 30% and 32%, respectively.

In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) released updated air quality guidelines based on a thorough review of scientific evidence showing the harmful effects of air pollution on human health. The European Union (EU) has also established standards for critical air pollutants through its ambient air quality directives. As part of the European Green Deal, the European Commission pledged to enhance air quality further and bring EU standards in closer alignment with WHO recommendations. This goal is also reflected in the zero pollution action plan, which envisions reducing air, water, and soil pollution to levels that no longer pose a risk to human health and ecosystems by 2050. The plan includes specific targets for 2030, focusing on air quality:

• Reduce air pollution-related health impacts (premature deaths) by over 55% compared to 2005;Reduce the portion of EU ecosystems where air pollution endangers biodiversity by 25% compared to 2005.
• Tougher air quality standards would also support the goals of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, as air pollution is a known carcinogen, particularly for lung cancer (EEA, 2022).
• Looking at historical trends, premature deaths due to PM2.5 exposure in the EU-27 decreased by 33% between 2005 and 2020, reaching 238,000. If this rate of improvement continues, the zero pollution target could be met by 2032. (EEA  means European Environmental Agency)

Conclusion:

Air pollution is a critical global issue that affects health, the environment, and the economy. Combating it requires stricter regulations, cleaner technologies, and heightened public awareness. Individual actions, like reducing car use and supporting renewables, also play a vital role. By prioritizing efforts to tackle air pollution, we can create a healthier planet and improve the quality of life for future generations. Collaborative initiatives are essential for lasting change and a sustainable future.

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