Facts on How Air Pollution Affects Your Health
Under normal conditions, your lungs are able to protect themselves from germs, dust and other particles. However, air pollution damages the lung tissue itself because it weakens natural defenses. In some cases, air pollution actually bypasses the defenses altogether. Air pollution causes minor irritations -- watery eyes or runny nose -- as well as more serious problems, like bronchitis and emphysema.
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The Formation of Smog
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The most common evidence of air pollution, especially in large or well-populated cities, is smog. Smog is caused by the exposure of chemicals to sunlight. Among these chemicals is carbon monoxide and ozone. Carbon monoxide and ozone are caused primarily from vehicle emissions containing nitrogen oxides, paint fumes, solvents and other organic compounds are released into the air and interact in the sunlight. Along with these chemical contaminants, dust, pollen, ash and other debris mix in the air and help to produce smog.
Health Effects in Children
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Children are among the most affected groups. In the same time frame and same exertion level, a child will take in more air than an adult, immediately increasing the child's exposure. Children do not understand that extra coughing and chest discomfort needs to be attended to. Children also spend more time outside and don't think to stay indoors on smoggy days. Air pollution can damage cells that are needed for proper lung development, causing lifelong problems.
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Other Health Effects
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Ozone damages the sensitive tissues inside the trachea, bronchial tubes and lungs. Carbon monoxide causes upper respiratory problems, low birth weight and keeps oxygen treatments from being effective in emphysema patients. Particulate matter can cause heart failure, lung failure, asthma and COPD. Diesel emissions cause such issues as extensive coughing, extra phlegm, breathing problems, inflammation in the lungs and headaches. Air pollution also causes lung cancer, heart palpitations and allergy or flu-like symptoms.
Protecting Yourself
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Moving away from air pollution is the best thing you can do to protect yourself. When that isn't an option, take steps to protect yourself by learning about the Air Quality Index (AQI) in your city. Stay indoors when the AQI is high. Familiarize yourself with Ozone Actions Days. Take steps to comply with the voluntary actions. Don't smoke indoors and don't allow others to smoke indoors to reduce the air pollution inside. Whenever possible, use public transportation, walk or bike to help reduce emissions.
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References
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