Introduction
Air pollution, a complex mixture of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, has become a significant global health concern. It arises from both natural processes and human activities, particularly the combustion of fossil fuels. The adverse effects of air pollution on human health are well-documented, impacting various bodily systems and contributing to a range of diseases.
Causes of Air Pollution
- Combustion of Fossil Fuels: Increased combustion of fossil fuels is a primary source of air pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) .
- Natural Processes and Human Activities: Air pollutants are emitted into the atmosphere through both natural processes and human activities, including industrial emissions and vehicular exhaust .
Effects of Air Pollution
- Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases: Air pollution is strongly linked to respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer) and cardiovascular diseases (e.g., myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke) .
- Acute and Chronic Health Effects: Exposure to air pollutants can cause both acute effects (e.g., respiratory irritation, exacerbation of asthma) and chronic effects (e.g., chronic bronchitis, reduced life expectancy) .
- Intestinal Diseases: Emerging evidence suggests that air pollution may also affect intestinal health, leading to conditions such as appendicitis, gastroenteric disorders, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
- Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter, is associated with an increased risk of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and cognitive dysfunction .
- Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: The adverse health effects of air pollution are often mediated by inflammation and oxidative stress, which can damage various organs and systems in the body .
Conclusion
Air pollution, primarily driven by the combustion of fossil fuels and other human activities, has far-reaching effects on human health. It is a major contributor to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and emerging evidence links it to intestinal and neurological disorders. The underlying mechanisms often involve inflammation and oxidative stress, highlighting the need for urgent mitigation measures to reduce the global burden of disease and premature mortality associated with air pollution.