Air pollution comes in all shapes and sizes, with some types far more dangerous than others. Tiny particulate matter, ozone, and even carbon dioxide can all wreak havoc on the human body.
So it's essential to know how they affect us and what we can do to limit their influence on our health. Let's look at some of the most common air pollutants and their effects on our health so that we can protect ourselves against them as much as possible.
What is
Air Pollution?
Air pollution
is a combination of particles and gases released into the atmosphere. These
pollutants can come from car exhaust, factories, and forest fires. Delicate
particulate matter, or PM2.5, poses the biggest threat to human health as it
can penetrate deep into our lungs and cause problems with our respiratory
system.
Long-term
exposure to air pollution can lead to an increased risk of heart disease,
stroke, lung cancer, and other respiratory illnesses. The World Health
Organization has classified outdoor air pollution as a carcinogen.
Short-term
impacts
Air
pollution is a big problem in Pakistan. The World Health Organization has
ranked Pakistan with the world's second highest death rate due to air
pollution. According to Chughtai lab, it is responsible for causing lung
cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic respiratory diseases.
It also reduces life expectancy by an average of 2.5 years. The effects of air pollution are not just limited to human health but also cause economic damages estimated at 3% of GDP.
Sources
of Air Pollution
There are
many sources of air pollution, including power plants, automobiles, and
factories. These sources release harmful pollutants into the air, which can
severely affect human health. Short-term exposure to air pollution can cause
coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
Long-term
exposure can lead to more severe health problems like heart disease, lung
cancer, and respiratory infections. Additionally, air pollution can exacerbate
existing health conditions, such as asthma and emphysema.
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Indoor
Air Pollution
We're not
just talking about the air quality outside, but the air quality inside your
home. Chughtai lab Lahore released a study that says the average person spends
90% of their time indoors, and with the rise in global temperatures, we're only
trapping more heat and pollutants inside.
Not to
mention all the off-gassing from building materials, cleaning supplies, and
other chemicals. It's no wonder rates of asthma, and other respiratory
illnesses are on the rise.
Children and babies
Regarding
the effects of air pollution, children and babies are some of the most vulnerable.
According to the Chughtai lab, exposure to air pollution can lead to several health problems
in children, including asthma, bronchitis, and cancer.
Babies born
to mothers exposed to high levels of air pollution during pregnancy are also at
an increased risk for congenital disabilities and developmental problems. These
effects are especially concerning in Pakistan, where air pollution is a
significant problem.
That's why
Chughtai lab offers online lab tests that can help parents check for exposure
to pollutants. By booking an online lab test in Pakistan, parents can take
steps to protect their children from the harmful effects of air pollution.
Pregnant
women
Exposure to air pollution can have several adverse effects on pregnant women. Studies have shown that air pollution can lead to an increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal mortality.
Additionally,
exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of developmental
problems in babies and children. Pregnant women exposed to high levels of air
pollution are also at an increased risk for developing respiratory problems,
such as asthma.
Infants
Breathing in
polluted air can be incredibly harmful to infants. Exposure to high levels of
air pollution can lead to several health problems, including bronchitis,
pneumonia, and even asthma.
Also, pregnant women exposed to air pollution are at an increased risk for delivering low birth weight babies. To protect your infant from the harmful effects of air pollution, it is essential to keep them indoors as much as possible and avoid areas with high traffic or industrial activity levels.
Elderly
people
Did you know
that the air inside your home could be more polluted than the outside? Indoor
air pollution is a real problem that can seriously affect your health. In fact,
according to the EPA, indoor air pollution is one of the top five environmental
health risks.
Steps to
prevent yourself from air pollution
1.
Understand what air pollution is and where it comes from.
2. Learn
about the health
effects of air pollution.
3. Find out
which areas are most polluted.
4. Limit
your exposure to air pollution.
5. Protect
yourself from air pollution.
6. Stay informed
about air quality in your area.
7. Take
action to reduce air pollution.
