Air pollution is a growing problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite efforts to reduce emissions and improve air quality, pollution levels continue to rise in many cities and regions, leading to a range of health issues for those who are exposed to it. In this blog post, we'll take a look at how air pollution is getting worse and the health issues it causes.

Air Pollution Is Getting Worse

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is one of the biggest environmental risks to health, causing an estimated 7 million premature deaths worldwide each year. This is due to the fact that air pollution contains a mix of harmful particles and gases that can be inhaled into the lungs and cause damage to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Air pollution is getting worse in many parts of the world, primarily due to human activity. Industrialization, transportation, and energy production are some of the main sources of air pollution, releasing harmful substances such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide into the air.

The Health Issues Air Pollution Causes

The health risks associated with air pollution vary depending on the type and level of pollutants in the air, as well as individual factors such as age, underlying health conditions, and length of exposure. Here are some of the most common health risks associated with air pollution:

1. Respiratory Problems: Air pollution can cause a variety of respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and asthma attacks. Exposure to high levels of air pollution can also cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.

2. Cardiovascular Disease: Exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Air pollution can cause inflammation in the blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries) and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

3. Cognitive Impairment: Exposure to air pollution has also been linked to cognitive impairment, particularly in older adults. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to air pollution can cause changes in brain structure and function, leading to memory loss and other cognitive problems.

4. Reproductive and Developmental Problems: Air pollution can also have negative effects on reproductive and developmental health. Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight, while exposure to pollutants such as lead and mercury can cause developmental delays and cognitive problems in children.

5. Cancer: Some types of air pollution, such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are classified as carcinogenic (cancer-causing) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Exposure to these pollutants can increase the risk of lung cancer, bladder cancer, and other types of cancer.

In summary, air pollution is a major public health concern that can cause a wide range of health problems. The health risks associated with air pollution can vary depending on the type and level of pollutants in the air, but can include respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, reproductive and developmental problems, and cancer.

A quality HEPA air purifier with activated carbon can help reduce your exposure to these airborne pollutants.