Pollution and Your Health

Polluted air contains hazardous substances, which pose a risk to general health. Living in an
industrialized city exposes one to more pollution and it is predicted that millions of people may be
dying prematurely each year from cardiopulmonary causes linked to air pollution.

The ill effects of polluted air on the human body manifest in many ways but the cardiopulmonary
system is most at risk. The inhalation of air pollutants leads to their absorption into the
bloodstream, which get transported to the heart.  A wide spectrum of chemical and biological
substances may interact directly with the cardiovascular system to cause structural changes.
Some pollutants may also directly cause functional alterations that affect the heart’s normal
rhythm and contraction. Many chemical substances may cause the formation of reactive oxygen.  
These oxygen free radicals are potent toxins and are capable of causing premature cell death.
Our health is affected by the quality of the air we breathe.  Exposure to toxic substances by
inhalation can negatively affect our lungs and other organs in the body.  

Ground Level Ozone is the toxic component of smog and it can trigger asthma attacks, making
existing asthma worse. This outdoor pollutant may also lead to the development of asthma in
children. Ozone is produced at ground level when tailpipe pollution from cars and trucks reacts
with oxygen and sunlight. Ground level ozone is a big problem in cities with lots of traffic.

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2 ), another outdoor gas, is a respiratory irritant too, which can lead to
bronchitis and asthma attacks. Sulphur dioxide is produced when coal and crude oil are burned.
Coal-fired power plants, oil refineries and diesel engines are the biggest contributors of this gas.

Particulate Matter refers to a wide range of pollutants -- dust, soot, fly ash, diesel exhaust
particles, wood smoke and sulfate aerosols, nitrates in fertilizers, lead, mercury, arsenic, etc --
which are suspended as tiny particles in the air. While many of these particles trigger asthma or
other respiratory ailments, others like lead and arsenic cause blood and nerve cells damage.

Environmental tobacco smoke is probably the most important indoor pollutant. Studies have
shown that smoking by either parent, increases the risk of asthma in their children. Children with
asthma who are exposed to smoking in the home generally have more severe disease. Important
long term consequences of tobacco smoke include coronary artery disease and lung cancer.

Indoor pollutants are often present in excessive amounts during the renovations of offices and
homes with the use of organic solvents and paints. Formaldehyde is an irritant to the eyes and
the upper and lower respiratory tract. Symptoms are usually temporary and, depending upon the
level and lengths of exposure, may range from burning or tingling sensation in eyes, nose and
throat to chest tightness and wheezing. Volatile organic compounds (VOC) can also cause
irritation of the upper respiratory tract and airways. A recent study has shown that VOC-free
paint causes fewer respiratory symptoms among people with asthma than conventional acrylic
paint.

The major source of indoor nitrogen dioxide is from gas appliances, wood stoves and
fireplaces. As a result of tightly closed homes during winter, wood stoves and fireplaces, even
when vented to the outside, may cause high concentration of this indoor pollutant. High indoor
nitrogen dioxide exposure causes cough, wheezing and asthma attacks. The magnitude of the
effects depends on the concentration and duration of exposure

In recent years, there has been burgeoning evidence that air pollutants worsen allergies and
asthma. For allergy and asthma sufferers, this means that special attention must be paid not only
to pollen counts, but also to the daily pollution index. In general, ozone is lower early in the
morning and peaks around 5pm. On bad air days, late afternoon exercises are not advisable.
Unless one is allergic to pollen, which happens to be highest in the mornings, early morning
exercises would be ideal. Other research has shown that the tiny particles in diesel exhaust can
increase a person’s sensitivity to pollen or dust mites or other allergy producing antigens.

We, as individuals, can contribute to cleaner air by choosing cleaner sources of energy and
using energy more efficiently. For instance, carpooling or taking public transportation,
maintaining automobile emission controls on one’s cars, walking or biking to work or school can
make a difference. Limiting the use of fireplaces or wood and coal burning stoves, and seeking
out more efficient heating and cooling systems can also contribute to cleaner air. Over half the
world’s population live in areas with bad air – you can help change that.