Question

harmful effects of air pollution

Answer 1

Overall Health Effects

Even healthy people can experience health impacts from polluted air including respiratory irritation or breathing difficulties during exercise or outdoor activities. Your actual risk of adverse effects depends on your current health status, the pollutant type and concentration, and the length of your exposure to the polluted air.

High air pollution levels can cause immediate health problems including:Aggravated cardiovascular and respiratory illnessAdded stress to heart and lungs, which must work harder to supply the body with oxygenDamaged cells in the respiratory system

Long-term exposure to polluted air can have permanent health effects such as:Accelerated aging of the lungsLoss of lung capacity and decreased lung functionDevelopment of diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and possibly cancerShortened life span

Those most susceptible to severe health problems from air pollution are:Individuals with heart disease, coronary artery disease or congestive heart failureIndividuals with lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)Pregnant womenOutdoor workersOlder adults and the elderlyChildren under age 14Athletes who exercise vigorously outdoors

People in these groups may experience health impacts at lower air pollution exposure levels, or their health effects may be of greater intensity.



Health Effects from Specific Pollutants

Ground-level Ozone

Ground-level ozone is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) react with the sun's ultraviolet rays. The primary source of VOCs and NOx is mobile sources, including cars, trucks, buses, construction equipment and agricultural equipment.

Ground-level ozone reaches its highest level during the afternoon and early evening hours. High levels occur most often during the summer months. It is a strong irritant that can cause constriction of the airways, forcing the respiratory system to work harder in order to provide oxygen.

It can also cause other health problems including:

Aggravated respiratory disease such as emphysema, bronchitis and asthmaLung damage, even after symptoms such as coughing or a sore throat disappearWheezing, chest pain, dry throat, headache or nauseaReduced resistance to infectionsIncreased fatigueWeakened athletic performance
Particulate Matter (PM)

Particulate Matter is a complex mixture that may contain soot, smoke, metals, nitrates, sulfates, dust, water and tire rubber. It can be directly emitted, as in smoke from a fire, or it can form in the atmosphere from reactions of gases such as nitrogen oxides.

The size of particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. Small particles (known as PM2.5 or fine particulate matter) pose the greatest problems because they bypass the body’s natural defenses and can get deep into your lungs and potentially your bloodstream. Exposure to such particles can affect both your lungs and your heart.

Long-term exposure to particulate pollution can result in significant health problems including:

Increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing or difficulty breathingDecreased lung functionAggravated asthmaDevelopment of chronic respiratory disease in childrenDevelopment of chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive lung diseaseIrregular heartbeatNonfatal heart attacksPremature death in people with heart or lung disease, including death from lung cancer

Short-term exposure to particulate pollution can:

Aggravate lung disease causing asthma attacks and acute bronchitisIncrease susceptibility to respiratory infectionsCause heart attacks and arrhythmias in people with heart disease

Even if you are healthy, you may experience temporary symptoms, such as:Irritation of the eyes, nose and throatCoughingChest tightnessShortness of breath