The Link Between Air Pollution and the Development of Respiratory Diseases

Pollution

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the world’s population breathes air that exceeds the limits set in its guidelinesLow- and middle-income countries suffer the most from this situation.

Air pollution from fine particles, both in cities and in rural areas, causes a number of serious health problemsThese include, among others, acute and chronic respiratory diseases, stroke, heart disease and lung cancer.

Air pollution

Air pollution It is a mixture of dangerous substances of human and natural origin.These substances may be visible, like the brown haze over a city, or invisible. The latter are detected by their penetrating odor.

The main air pollutants are:

• Tropospheric ozoneIt is a gas that is formed when pollutants emitted by vehicles and other sources undergo a chemical reaction in the presence of sunlight.
• Particulate Matter (PM). It includes substances such as sulfates, nitrates, carbon and mineral dust. An important subcategory is fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Substances that evaporate at room temperature and are found in products such as paints, pesticides, and some cleaning products.
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Organic compounds containing carbon and hydrogen that are by-products of the combustion of fossil fuels and various industrial processes.

respiratory diseases

Air pollution has a significant impact on lung development and leads to various respiratory diseases. Particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide have been found to associated with chronic bronchitis.

PM10 particles can penetrate into the lungs, causing irritation and inflammation, and damaging the airways. The smallest particles PM2.5 are even more dangerous.because they can completely cross the pulmonary barrier, enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs.

Ozone is an important factor in the development and exacerbation of asthma.Other pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, can cause bronchial symptoms, lung inflammation, and decreased lung function.

In Southern California, reductions in nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter 2.5 were associated with a reduction in childhood asthma. In addition, Bronchitis symptoms ease as pollution levels fall in the Los Angeles area.

Major Pollution Related Diseases

There are several respiratory diseases which are associated with air pollution. Among the most common ones are the following.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

This chronic disease affects the airways and lungs, causing obstruction of air flowSmoking is the main cause of COPD, although long-term exposure to air pollution also contributes to and ultimately leads to the development of this disease.

Emphysema

Emphysema is a form of COPD in which the air sacs in the lungs become damaged and less elasticThis makes it difficult to exhale and causes a constant feeling of shortness of breath.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease that significantly affects the quality of life because causes inflammation and narrowing of the airwaysOne trigger is air pollution, although it can also be caused by allergens and genetic factors.

Chronic bronchitis and pneumonia

Chronical bronchitis includes persistent inflammation of the bronchi.which are the main airways of the lungs. This can be caused by smoking, pollution and other factors.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. This is usually aggravated by environmental pollution..

Air pollution has a direct impact on respiratory healthUnderstanding this relationship is important for addressing and treating associated respiratory diseases.

Element of air

Fine particles present in the air, known as PM2.5.are some of the main pollutants that affect respiratory health. These particles are so small that they can penetrate the lungs and reach the bloodstream, causing inflammation and damage to lung tissue.

In addition to small particles, pollutant gases such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) They can also have negative effects on respiratory health. These gases irritate the airways, increasing the likelihood of asthma attacks and worsening the symptoms of pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Another air pollutant that can affect respiratory health is tropospheric ozone (O3)While the ozone layer in the stratosphere is useful for filtering out ultraviolet radiation from the sun, ozone at ground level is a respiratory irritant that can cause problems such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

What can be done?

To reduce the impact of air pollution on respiratory health, it is important to take action at the individual and collective level. One way to protect yourself is to avoid exposure to high levels of pollutants, especially on days with high air pollution. Using masks to protect against pollution, staying in well-ventilated spaces, and avoiding outdoor physical activity during peak pollution hours are some steps you can take to protect your respiratory health.

Recommended reading

The Impact of Air Quality on Health in Spain

The Link Between Respiratory Diseases and Air Quality