5 Adverse effects of air pollution on body health

Pollution or air pollution is a major problem of environmental health worldwide. A study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2013 concluded that air pollution is the cause of cancer for humans. Especially lung cancer. What other health impacts can air pollution cause?

The impact of air pollution is based on the pollutants

There are various types of pollutants in the air that you breathe every day. Starting from carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOC), ozone (O3), to heavy metals.

All of these pollutants have different chemical compositions, reaction properties, emissions, disintegration times, and the speed at which they spread over a certain distance.

The following are various bad effects of air pollution on health:

1. Particulate matter (PM)

Particulate matter or PM is a collection of solid or liquid particles found in the air. The main components of PM are sulfate, nitrate, ammonia, sodium chloride, carbon black, mineral dust, and water.

The presence of PM in the air is strongly associated with the increase in mortality and disease cases over time. The smaller the size, the easier these harmful particles are inhaled and absorbed into the lung tissue, and then flow into the blood. It is the particles measuring 2.5 microns or less that are most at risk of damaging health and causing various diseases.

Not only that. Exposure to indoor pollutants from the smoke of burning wood stoves or traditional charcoal can increase the risk of acute respiratory infections, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and the risk of premature death at a young age.

2.Ozone (O3)

The ozone referred to here is not what makes up the earth's atmosphere. Ozone, which is a dangerous pollutant at ground level

Ozone in the soil is the main constituent of smog which is formed from the reaction of sunlight with air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) from vehicle fumes, chemicals, and industrial waste. That is why the risk of impacting air pollution due to ozone content in the soil will increase during the summer.

Excessive ozone in the air can weaken lung function. The result will cause breathing problems, trigger asthma symptoms to recur, and also cause lung disease.

Currently in Europe, ozone at ground level is considered to be one of the most concerning air pollution particles. This is evidenced by several studies that state the daily mortality rate increased by 0.3%, and heart disease by 0.4%, each ozone particle in the air increased by 10 micrograms per cubic meter, reported by Science Daily.

3.Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

Nitrogen dioxide is the main source of nitrate aerosols which form small particle fragments. Nitrogen dioxide levels in the air that exceed 200 micrograms per cubic meter are considered a poisonous gas that harms the body.

The reason is, the particles that cause air pollution can cause inflammation that affects the function of the respiratory tract. The main source of nitrogen dioxide emissions usually comes from combustion processes, such as heating, power plants, vehicle engines, and ships.

A study shows that the symptoms of bronchitis in children who have asthma improve after long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide particles. Moreover, lung function will also weaken when you inhale too many nitrogen dioxide particles in the air.

4.Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas with a characteristic pungent odor. The particles that cause air pollution are generated from burning fossil fuels.

The main source of sulfur dioxide comes from burning fossil fuels such as coal and oil which is used for domestic heating, electricity generation and motor vehicles. In addition, smelting mineral ores that contain sulfur also contributes to sulfur dioxide particles flying through the air.

Sulfur dioxide can damage and affect various system functions in the body. Starting from damage to the respiratory system, decreased lung function, to cause eye irritation.

Exposure to these chemical compounds can also cause coughing, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and increase our risk of respiratory infections.

5.Carbon monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that causes air pollution. This gas is colorless, odorless, and does not even irritate the skin and eyes. However, inhalation of carbon monoxide in large quantities is very dangerous so that it is a bad risk for body health.

Burning gas, oil, petrol, and solid fuels or wood, are some of the sources of carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide is said to be a dangerous gas because it prevents oxygen from binding to hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Instead, carbon monoxide will bind directly to hemoglobin. As a result, the supply of oxygen to the heart will decrease, resulting in the body being deprived of oxygen.

Maintain health in the midst of polluted air

WHO data shows that 9 out of 10 people in the world breathe air that is highly polluted with pollutants. Here are some simple and effective tips to protect you and your family from the dangers of air pollution:

• Air pollution will be worst during the hot day. So, as much as possible limit your outdoor activities only in the morning or evening.
• Avoid walking, exercising, or cycling on roads that are heavily motorized. If this is impossible to avoid, wear a mask or cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief to help filter out gas and smoke.
• Save electricity at home. Electrical energy and other energy sources create air pollution. By reducing energy use, you can help improve air quality by limiting greenhouse gas emissions. Turn off the lights from morning to afternoon, and turn off the air conditioner if you don't need it.
• Use buses, commuter trains, MRT / LRT, or other alternatives instead of driving your own car. If it's far enough but the goal is in the same direction, try hitting someone else's car.
• Don't burn trash. Burning garbage is one of the main sources of pollution in the country.
• Eat healthy foods that are especially rich in antioxidants, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants can help protect your body from the harmful effects of free radicals created by air pollution.
• Consider buying a room air purifier (water purifier).
• Routinely clean the AC filter.
• Wash sheets and stuffed toys to remove dust mites.
• Open the windows to air out the old with the new ones when the day is mild cool.
• Do not allow anyone to smoke indoors.