IISPPR

Category: Good Health and Well-being

Good Health and Well-being
Abhishek Kumar

Air Pollution and Human Health

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

Read More »