air pollution

Introduction

Air pollution is a significant environmental and public health issue, contributing to climate change and causing various health problems. It involves a complex mixture of pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), and heavy metals. These pollutants can have both acute and chronic effects on human health, affecting multiple organ systems and leading to increased morbidity and mortality.

Key Insights

Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases:
- Air pollution, particularly PM, NOx, and O3, is strongly linked to respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer, as well as cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction and heart failure .
Vulnerable Populations:
- Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are more susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution. These groups experience higher rates of respiratory and cardiovascular issues due to their increased vulnerability .
Indoor vs. Outdoor Pollution:
- While much focus has been on outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution also poses significant health risks, especially in energy-efficient buildings with poor ventilation. Common indoor pollutants include PM and VOCs from sources like smoking, cooking, and household products .
Global Health Impact:
- Air pollution is a leading risk factor for death globally, contributing to millions of deaths annually. It is particularly problematic in developing countries where biomass fuels are still widely used, exacerbating indoor air pollution .
Systemic Health Effects:
- Beyond respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, air pollution is associated with a wide range of health issues, including cognitive decline, diabetes, cancer, and skin diseases. Fine and ultrafine particles can penetrate deep into the body, causing systemic inflammation and tissue damage .

Conclusion

Air pollution is a pervasive environmental health threat that affects multiple organ systems and contributes to a wide range of diseases. Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions, are particularly at risk. Both outdoor and indoor air pollution need to be addressed to mitigate these health impacts. Coordinated efforts at local, national, and global levels are essential to improve air quality and protect public health.

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Summary

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Environmental and Health Impacts of Air Pollution: A Review

Air pollution contributes to climate change and human health issues, necessitating public awareness and multidisciplinary solutions.

Human health effects of air pollution.

Air pollution can cause acute and chronic health effects, including respiratory and heart diseases, lung cancer, and premature mortality, and reduce life expectancy.

Effects on health of air pollution: a narrative review

Air pollution increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, with elderly, pregnant women, infants, and those with prior diseases being particularly vulnerable.

Particulate air pollution and acute health effects

Urban particulate air pollution, containing ultra-fine particles, is associated with increased respiratory disease exacerbations and cardiovascular deaths in older individuals.

Indoor Air Pollution and the Health of Vulnerable Groups: A Systematic Review Focused on Particulate Matter (PM), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Their Effects on Children and People with Pre-Existing Lung Disease

Indoor air pollution, mainly from VOCs and PM, negatively impacts the health of children and those with pre-existing lung diseases.

Air Pollution and Noncommunicable Diseases: A Review by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies' Environmental Committee, Part 1: The Damaging Effects of Air Pollution.

Air pollution can cause acute and chronic health issues, affecting every organ in the body, and is a significant risk factor for death and disability worldwide.

Air pollution in cities

Air pollution in cities is a serious environmental issue, with motor traffic emissions being a major source group, and shows temporal and spatial variability.

Health Effects of Ambient Air Pollution in Developing Countries

Ambient air pollution and indoor air pollution significantly harm human health in developing countries, with indoor pollution being a significant threat due to biomass fuel use.

Air Pollution and Noncommunicable Diseases: A Review by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies' Environmental Committee, Part 2: Air Pollution and Organ Systems.

Air pollution can cause a wide range of diseases, including lung cancer, COPD, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, as well as reduced cognitive function, dementia, and immune system issues.

Pulmonary health effects of air pollution

Air pollution exacerbates pulmonary diseases, particularly asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and respiratory infections, requiring global cooperation to improve air quality.

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