Health Effects of Air Pollution
Air pollution occurs when air contains gaseous, liquid or solid substances in sufficient concentration, which under certain conditions tend to damage the environment and cause health effects in human beings. Air pollution may be caused by natural agents like forest fires, wind erosion and pollen agents or can be caused by anthropogenic activities. Substances that cause pollution are called pollutants. Substances that are let into the air and pollute it directly are called primary pollutants. Examples of primary pollutants include carbon monoxide from car exhausts. Primary pollutants that undergo further chemical reactions in the air result in the formation of secondary pollutants. Example for secondary pollutants includes photochemical smog.
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Health Effects of Air Pollution
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Effects of air pollution on health can be classified as short term effects and long term effects. Health effects of air pollution are dependent on the type of pollutant, its concentration in air, length of exposure to the pollutant and individual susceptibility. Different groups of individuals react differently to air pollution. Children and elderly people are often more affected by the effects of air pollution.
Short term effects of air pollution include irritation of the eye, throat, nose and upper respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia. Short term air pollution often aggravates existing conditions like asthma and emphysema.
Long term effects of air pollution result in chronic disorders like cancer, respiratory diseases, heart diseases and damage to the brain, nerve, liver and kidneys.
Health effects of some pollutants are outlined below.
Effect of Carbon Monoxide
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Carbon monoxide combines with the haemoglobin present in the red blood cells to lessen the amount of oxygen entering the blood through lungs. When carbon monoxide combines with other haeme proteins, it causes changes in the functions of certain organs like the brain, cardiovascular system and sometimes in a growing foetus. Carbon monoxide is also known to disturb concentration and slow reflexes in human beings.
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Effect of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM)
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SPM consists of mist, dust, fumes and smoke. Common chemicals that constitute SPM are nickel, arsenic and lead. When these particles are inhaled, they tend to accumulate in the lungs and cause respiratory problems and lung damage. Diseases caused by SPM include asbestosis, siderosis, silicosis and byssinosis.
Effect of Lead
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Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of lead results in digestive disorders, damage to the nervous system, and in some cases, lung cancer.
Effects of Some Other Common Pollutants
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Exposure to high concentrations of ozone, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds can cause irritation in the eye, nose and throat. Exposure also results in lower resistivity to cold and pneumonia. Some pollutants can also cause liver damage, dilation of arteries, lung edema and severe asthma.
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