Polluted air can be defined as the contamination of air by a variety of solid and liquid particles, primarily emanating from vehicular emissions and industrial smokestacks. There are a few different air pollutants according to scientists, but for the most part, polluted air is defined as fine particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less. Scientists are especially concerned with solid matter below 2.5 micrometers given that these particles can enter deep into the lungs or even blood vessels in the body resulting in heart disease and other health issues. When determining the statistics, it is worthwhile to mention that despite the dangers related to the polluted atmosphere, its full negative effects have not yet been measured — so these statistics could be even worse.
Polluted air is a main issue today causing so many problems to people, lots of animals and even cities. It’s essential to find a way to control pollution of the atmosphere. We need to take measures and precautions in order to avoid medical issues that could be triggered by polluted air, like lung cancer, asthma and diseases of the circulatory system connected to systematically polluted air. Let us tell you more about each of the diseases.
Cancer of Lung
Today we’re aware that one’s health is connected to the environment. The researches have shown that polluted air causes lungs’ cancer and has many other adverse effects. The polluted particles are dangerous as they are so much smaller than other pollutants, allowing for maximum penetration into the people’s lungs. Long lasting exposure to these small particles can result in the diseases. These findings have led to government regulations on atmospheric pollution in order to lower death rates together with illness.
Recognizing the problems, both the individual and governmental bodies begin to try to combat these by promoting clean air places like parks, green belts and scenic viewpoints. The government forces industries to use cleaner methods of production. However, people still need to be made aware of how polluted air and that it results in lung cancer so that they can avoid situations that lead to it. Lung cancer is a common disease which is known as the most deadly cancer all over the world. According to WHO reports, polluted air can be the major cause of human respiratory disorders in addition to the respiratory tract infections in children. Moreover, pollution of the atmosphere has both indoor and outdoor contributions.
Asthma
Polluted air contains chemicals like nitrogen dioxide. Exposure to high amounts of this kind of pollutant is a significant risk factor for developing asthma. Solid matter and other common airborne irritants also trigger asthma attacks. Asthma is much more common if you live in an urban area, or work indoors. Having a pet in the house can significantly increase your risk of getting asthma too. If you live where air pollution is high, you should try to avoid aggravating your asthma as much as possible.
Circulatory diseases
Diseases of the circulatory system like coronary artery disease, rheumatic involve the heart or blood vessels. The typical form is Coronary Artery Disease which is also the reason for million deaths worldwide. What we know is that a great number of diseases of the circulatory system can be driven by air pollution which is frightening, isn’t it?
Time to React
Pollution of the atmosphere is a serious problem for both humans and the environment. Although it is treatable, the situation is still dangerous, and millions die or are affected by the pollution every year. This is why it is so important to consider the causes and sorts of atmospheric pollution, as well as what we can do to avoid these problems.
But the tragedy isn’t insurmountable. Governments, companies, and individuals are making efforts to limit their environmental impact and preserve the environment for generations to come. We have a long way to go before we can keep our air pristine, but in the future, who knows what will be possible? If you’re passionate about saving our planet’s natural resources, there are lots of things you can do (it’s never too late) to help preserve them for the future. Atmospheric pollution may not be going away any time soon — but it doesn’t have to stay the way it is. For a start, you can use public transport, turn off the lights, recycle and reuse things, and refuse plastic bags.