How Does Poor Air Quality Affect Health – Lungs & Heart
Poor air quality is a major health problem that affects many people, especially in the cities. Polluted air can make it hard to breathe, causing diseases like asthma and heart attacks, and affect children’s growth and learning. The vulnerable category that includes children, older adults, and those with health issues, are more likely to get sick from pollution.
Knowing how poor air affects health is important, so we can take steps to protect ourselves and work towards cleaner air for a healthier life.
What Is Poor Air Quality?
Poor air quality occurs when the air we breathe contains pollutants at levels that can harm our health. In fact, it is one of the most serious environmental threats to public health in the UK. The most common pollutants include:
- Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10): Tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): NO2 comes mainly from vehicle exhaust and some industrial activities.
- Sulphur Dioxide (SO2): Results from burning fossil fuels like coal and oil.
- Ozone (O3): A reactive gas formed by other pollutants under sunlight.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): Toxic gas from the incomplete combustion of fuels.
- Dust, Pollen, Pet dander
How Does Poor Air Quality Affect Health?
Poor air quality leads to a wide range of health problems. The effects can be immediate or developed over time, depending on how much pollution we are exposed to and for how long.
Let’s delve into the harmful effects of poor air quality on our health:
1. Respiratory Health
The respiratory system, which includes our lungs and airways, is the part of the body most directly affected by polluted air.
Harmful particles and gases in the air can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to a range of health problems.
It includes issues like:
- Asthma: Air pollution triggers attacks and worsens symptoms.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Pollution speeds up lung damage.
- Infections: Increased risk of bronchitis, pneumonia, and other lung infections.
- Asthma Symptoms in Children: Air pollution triggers Asthma symptoms in children on more days every year.
2. Cardiovascular Diseases
Air pollution not only affects the lungs, but it also significantly impacts the heart and blood vessels. Harmful particles and gases cause inflammation in the blood vessels, leading to:
- Raised blood pressure
- Hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis)
- Heart attacks and strokes
- Heart failure
Even short-term exposure to poor air quality can trigger cardiac events, especially among older adults and people with pre-existing heart conditions.
3. Effects on Children
Young children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of poor air quality.
- Poor air quality during pregnancy is linked to low birth weight, preterm birth, and developmental problems.
- Children exposed to pollution have higher chances of developing asthma, reduced lung function, and learning difficulties.
- Research from Imperial College London shows that exposure early in life can lead to health challenges.
4. Brain and mental health
New evidence suggests poor air quality affects the brain:
- Pollution exposure in childhood is associated with slower cognitive development.
- Increased risks of mental health problems, including psychotic experiences, have been observed.
- In adults, long-term exposure may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s.
5. Cancer risk
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as a carcinogen. It mainly causes lung cancer but can contribute to other risks of cancer by causing DNA damage and inflammation.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?
The following are the different ways to protect yourself:
- To protect yourself from poor air quality, monitor daily air quality forecasts and avoid outdoor activities when pollution levels are high.
- Use air purifiers indoors to reduce pollutants, especially if you live in busy urban areas. Avoid smoking, as it adds to your exposure to harmful pollutants.
- Choose clean transport options like walking, cycling, or public transport to help reduce pollution.
- Ventilate your home during times when outdoor air quality is better, usually early in the morning.
- Support policies and initiatives aimed at reducing air pollution and industrial emissions to help improve air quality for everyone.
How Do Air Purifiers Help?
Air purifiers play an important role in reducing indoor air pollution by effectively filtering out harmful particles and gases from the air. This is especially beneficial for people with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues who live in cities with poor outdoor air quality.
One such option is the Rensair air purifier, which uses advanced HEPA filtration technology to capture pollutants and provide cleaner, safer air inside your home, office, or commercial spaces.
Investing in a quality air purifier like Rensair can significantly improve indoor air quality, making it easier to breathe and reducing the risks associated with polluted air.
Conclusion
Poor air quality harms nearly every organ in the body – from the lungs and heart to the brain – and increases the risk of chronic disease, cancer, and premature death. With millions of people in the UK exposed to unsafe pollution levels daily, tackling this issue is urgent.
The good news is that there are steps you can take today: stay informed, limit exposure during high-pollution days, and improve indoor environments with proven air-cleaning solutions.
Rensair air purifiers, powered by advanced HEPA technology, remove harmful particles and gases to create cleaner, safer air in homes, workplaces, and commercial spaces. By taking action now, you protect not only your own health but also contribute to a healthier future for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when you breathe in polluted air?
Breathing polluted air causes inflammation, lung irritation, and reduces oxygen supply, harming respiratory and cardiovascular health.
Can poor air quality make you sick?
Yes, poor air quality can cause respiratory diseases, heart problems, infections, and worsen existing health conditions.
What are the 5 consequences of air pollution?
Five consequences of air pollution are respiratory diseases, heart disease, cancer, developmental problems, and death.