Question

What is air pollution? Describe the diseases caused by it.

Hint:

When discussing diseases caused by air pollution, remember that while the {lungs} are the primary target, the damage doesn't stop there. The smallest pollutants can enter the {bloodstream} and affect the {heart} and {brain}, leading to a wider range of systemic health problems.

Answer 1

What is Air Pollution?
Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances, known as pollutants, in the Earth's atmosphere in concentrations that are detrimental to the health of humans and other living beings, or cause damage to the climate or to materials. The main sources of air pollution are vehicle emissions, industrial processes, burning of fossil fuels (like coal and petroleum), and household activities like burning solid fuels for cooking. Major air pollutants include particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO\(_2\)), nitrogen oxides (NO\(_x\)), and ground-level ozone (O\(_3\)).
Diseases Caused by Air Pollution:
Air pollution is a major environmental health risk and can cause a wide range of diseases, affecting nearly every organ in the body. The respiratory system is the most directly affected.
Respiratory Diseases:
Asthma: Pollutants can trigger asthma attacks and worsen the condition.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Long-term exposure to pollutants is a major cause of COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Lung Cancer: Certain pollutants, like particulate matter and emissions from diesel exhaust, are carcinogenic and increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
Pneumonia and other Respiratory Infections: Air pollution can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections of the respiratory tract.

Cardiovascular Diseases:
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation and increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension.

Other Health Effects:
Neurological Effects: Air pollution has been linked to developmental problems in children and an increased risk of dementia in adults.
Eye, Nose, and Throat Irritation: Common immediate effects include burning eyes, a runny nose, and coughing.