Air pollution is a real hazard to humans, wildlife, and the environment as a whole, but let’s concentrate on the effects of air pollutants on human health.
Air pollution creates oxidative stress in the body by exposing it to harmful particles, generating free radicals, causing inflammation, and disrupting the antioxidant defense system. This oxidative stress can contribute to various health problems, including heart disease, stroke, respiratory problems, and sleep disturbances, and can reduce overall well-being.
Oxidative stress cycle overview
How do pollution and smoking harm us?
The cycle in which air pollutants cause damage to tissue, cells, and genes through inflammation and oxidative stress is known as the “oxidative stress cycle”. In this cycle, inhaled pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, and tobacco smoke generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) which can cause oxidative damage to cellular components such as lipids, proteins, and eventually DNA. This damage activates cellular signaling pathways that trigger inflammation, a natural response to tissue damage. Inflammation can cause further oxidative stress by releasing more ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to a vicious cycle of damage and inflammation. Over time, this persistent oxidative stress and inflammation can cause damage to cells and tissues, leading to various health problems such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. If left untreated, this can have a runaway negative effect on the whole health as the parts of our bodies that are supposed to fight infection and keep cells functioning now spend resources on limiting the damage caused by this oxidative stress.
Let’s recap: air pollution can create oxidative stress in the body through the following mechanisms:
- Exposure to toxic particles: Air pollution contains a variety of toxic particles, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause oxidative stress through interaction with living tissue.
- Generation of free radicals: The toxic particles in air pollution or in cigarette smoke can generate free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and tissues, leading to oxidative stress.
- Inflammation: Air pollution can also cause inflammation in the body, which can increase oxidative stress and lead to further damage to cells and tissues. The body will spend significant resources dealing with inflammation at the expense of other parts of the body.
- Disruption of antioxidant defense system: Air pollution can also interfere with the body’s antioxidant defense system, making it less effective in neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress.
These mechanisms of interaction between alien particles and our bodies are all interlinked and can have a domino effect on each other.
Is smoking comparable to air pollution?
We all know that smoking is bad for us but is breathing out polluted air as we do in the cities as bad? Research shows that both smoking and air pollution can have significant negative effects on human health. However, the health effects of smoking are generally considered to be more severe and widespread than those of air pollution, due to the high concentration of toxic chemicals present in tobacco smoke and the direct delivery of these chemicals to the lungs and other parts of the body. Even second-hand smoke from those inhaling cigarette fumes but not smoking themselves is considered to be dangerous.
Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death and disease globally,, causing several serious health problems, including lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, and various other types of cancer. It has been estimated that smoking causes more than 7 million deaths annually and this is a rough estimate, the real number may be higher. Anyway, smoking and air pollution cost governments a lot of money through public services, health care, etc which prompts some governments to introduce legislation to prevent unnecessary spending on health care. Recently, research showed that pollution is also harmful in the long term to the economy through healthcare costs, which stimulates certain government policies.
Smoking is bad for health, that is established. On the other hand, air pollution also has several negative health effects, including increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, stroke, and low birth weight in infants. Falling birth rates in the developed world is a significant cause for concern in the world so this is very important. Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to chronic health problems, including decreased lung function and increased risk of premature death. However, the severity of health effects from air pollution can vary depending on several factors, including the type and concentration of pollutants, individual susceptibility, and duration of exposure.
Do smoking and air pollution affect only the lungs?
Yes, smoking increases the risk of not only lung cancer but also several other types of cancer.
Smoking is a significant risk factor for various types of cancer, not just lung cancer. While it’s true that smoking primarily affects the lungs, the harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke can enter the bloodstream and affect cells and tissues throughout the body. This can increase the risk of developing several other types of cancer, even if the immune system is focused on repairing lung tissue.
Here are some cancers that are strongly associated with smoking:
- Lung cancer: Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. The carcinogens in tobacco smoke can damage the cells lining the lungs and lead to the development of cancerous tumors.
- Mouth, throat, and esophageal cancer: Smoking can increase the risk of cancers in the mouth, throat (including larynx), and esophagus. The direct contact of tobacco smoke with these tissues contributes to the development of cancerous cells.
- Bladder cancer: Smoking is a significant risk factor for bladder cancer. The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke are excreted in the urine, which comes into contact with the bladder lining, potentially leading to cancer development.
- Kidney cancer: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of kidney cancer. The exact mechanisms are not fully understood, but it is believed that tobacco smoke may affect the DNA of kidney cells, leading to cancerous changes.
- Pancreatic cancer: Smoking is a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage the pancreas and increase the likelihood of cancer development.
- Colorectal cancer: While the link between smoking and colorectal cancer is not as strong as with some other cancers, studies have suggested an association between smoking and an increased risk of this type of cancer.
It’s important to note that the development of cancer is a multifactorial process, and smoking is just one of many risk factors. Other factors such as genetics, environmental exposures, diet, and lifestyle choices also play a role. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of developing these cancers and improve overall health.
This is because the chemicals present in tobacco smoke can spread throughout the body via the bloodstream, causing damage to other organs and tissues. Moreover, smoking can suppress the immune system by impairing the function of white blood cells and other immune cells, which may lead to decreased ability to prevent and fight cancer development in other parts of the body. Additionally, the oxidative stress and inflammation caused by smoking can contribute to the development of cancer in various organs by promoting DNA damage, mutations, and cellular mutations, leading to the formation of tumors. Therefore, smoking increases the risk of developing multiple types of cancer, not only due to direct exposure to toxic chemicals but also due to its negative impact on the immune system and oxidative stress.
Examples of air pollution damaging health
We are exposed to harmful chemicals and they do affect us, whilst we cannot see damage to our cells, we can notice other things that are a result of oxidative stress. The presence of harmful substances in the air, such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and ozone, can have several negative effects on human health, including:
- Stress: Exposure to air pollution can increase stress levels and the release of stress hormones such as cortisol.
- Sleep: Air pollution can cause respiratory problems, making it difficult to fall asleep and leading to poor sleep quality.
- Metabolism: Exposure to air pollution can impair insulin sensitivity and disrupt the regulation of hormones that control appetite and metabolism, leading to weight gain and metabolic problems.
- Cognitive function: Exposure to air pollution has been linked to decreased cognitive function, including impaired attention and memory. Studies have also linked air pollution to cognitive decline, particularly in older adults.
- Respiratory problems: Air pollution can cause respiratory problems, including asthma and bronchitis, which can lead to chronic respiratory diseases.
- Heart disease: Exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Cardiovascular disease: Air pollution can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by causing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
In terms of lifespan, studies have shown that people living in cities with high levels of air pollution tend to have a shorter lifespan compared to those living in cities with lower pollution levels. The exact difference in lifespan varies depending on the level of pollution and other factors such as age, gender, and overall health.
Does air pollution increase levels of stress hormones?
Air pollution can increase levels of cortisol and adrenaline through a physiological response known as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a condition where the body’s antioxidant defense system is unable to neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals. When the body is exposed to air pollution, the toxic particles can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to an increase in the levels of cortisol and adrenaline. Cortisol is a stress hormone that helps the body respond to stress and regulates metabolism, while adrenaline is a hormone that prepares the body for the “fight or flight” response.
How do harmful chemicals in the air decrease the quality of sleep?
Sleep quality is affected by stress hormones as in the point above about stress. Pollution, in addition, affects the lungs directly. Damaged lungs are prone to cause coughing which will interfere with sleep quality. Inflammation of the airways may also cause sleep apnea although this is not confirmed by studies, so this is speculation. So overall, sleep is definitely affected by harmful chemicals in the air, and poor quality of sleep will have a knock-on effect on everything else in the body.
How does air quality affect metabolism and diet?
Exposure to air pollution can impair insulin sensitivity and disrupt the regulation of hormones that control appetite and metabolism, leading to weight gain and metabolic problems. Stress and lack of sleep as to the points above may lead to overeating, and as insulin sensitivity is impaired could possibly lead to weight gain.
How bad for health is living in a polluted environment such as a city?
Living in a polluted city can have various negative impacts on people’s health and well-being. Some common effects include:
However, it’s important to note that air pollution is just one of many factors that can impact health and lifespan and that the effects can vary greatly from person to person. To minimize the health risks associated with air pollution, it is recommended to limit exposure to polluted air, stay physically active, and maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Which air particles contribute to air pollution and are bad for health?
Air pollution is caused by a variety of particles and gases, some of which can be harmful to human health and the environment. Some of the most common air pollutants include:
- Particulate Matter (PM) refers to tiny particles suspended in the air, such as dust, soot, and smoke. PM can come from a variety of sources, including construction sites, vehicular emissions, industrial processes, farmers burning their crops at the end of the season, and wildfires. There are several different types of particulate matter, which are classified based on their size:
- PM10: Particles that are 10 micrometers or less in diameter.
- PM2.5: Particles that are 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter. These are considered the most harmful because they are small enough to be inhaled deeply into the lungs, where they can cause health problems.
- PM1: Particles that are 1 micrometer or less in diameter.
In general, the smaller the particle size, the more dangerous it is because it can penetrate deeper into the respiratory system. PM2.5 and PM1 are considered the most harmful to human health, as they are small enough to bypass the body’s natural defenses and enter the bloodstream. These fine particles can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems, as well as contribute to a range of other health problems such as premature death and cancer.
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): These are a group of gases produced by combustion processes, such as those in car engines and power plants.
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): This gas is produced by burning fossil fuels and is a major contributor to acid rain.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): This is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These are gases emitted by products of chemical manufacturing such as paints, solvents, and cleaning products.
- Ozone (O3): This is a highly reactive gas that can cause respiratory problems and contribute to the formation of smog.
- Ammonia(NH3): Ammonia is a gas released into the atmosphere from various natural and man-made sources. Once present in the atmosphere, the subsequent deposition of NH3 can be a major source of pollution but also has a negative impact on health.
All of these pollutants can have negative impacts on human health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, elderly people, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Long-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to a range of health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and even premature death.
You may hear news announcements asking vulnerable people to stay at home when the air is filled with pollutants but the young and healthy population is also susceptible to the dangers pollution creates.
What are the standards and examples of measuring air pollution?
Air pollution is typically measured using various instruments that detect the concentration of pollutants in the air. Some common air pollution standards and examples of measuring instruments include:
- PM2.5 and PM10: Particulate Matter less than 2.5 micrometers and 10 micrometers in diameter respectively, is measured using laser light scattering and size-selective inlet.
- NO2: Nitrogen Dioxide is measured using chemiluminescence or ultraviolet fluorescence.
- SO2: Sulfur Dioxide is measured using ultraviolet fluorescence or ion mobility spectrometry.
- O3: Ozone is measured using ultraviolet absorption or chemiluminescence.
- CO: Carbon Monoxide is measured using non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy or electrochemical cells.
These measurement mechanisms are not perfect but they help in determining the air quality index (AQI) which provides an overall picture of the air quality in a given location at a particular time. The AQI is calculated based on the levels of various pollutants and ranges from 0-500, with higher numbers indicating higher levels of pollution and a greater health risk. Weather, wind in particular can have a significant impact on air quality.
Air pollution, what can we do?
air pollution is a serious issue that poses a significant threat to both the environment and human health. It is caused by the release of harmful pollutants into the air from a variety of sources, including industrial processes, transportation, and the burning of fossil fuels.
Handling air pollution requires a multi-faceted, disciplined, united approach that involves reducing the release of harmful pollutants into the air, improving air quality through the use of filtration and purification systems, and increasing public awareness of the dangers of air pollution and the steps that can be taken to reduce exposure.
Politicians, government administrators, industries, and individuals all have a role to play in addressing air pollution. Governments can implement regulations to limit the release of harmful pollutants and promote the use of cleaner technologies. Industries can invest in cleaner production processes and adopt more environmentally friendly practices. And individuals can take steps to reduce their own emissions, such as using public transportation, reducing energy consumption, and properly disposing of hazardous waste.
Reducing energy consumption through the use of renewable goods and avoiding purchasing excess items that require energy to produce and transport is something that is often overlooked. Please buy only what you need. Having multiple cars or dozens of pairs of shoes contributes to air quality.
Whilst we try to avoid investigating ideology and try to concentrate on health, in this case, air pollution and policy are linked. Air pollution has a direct impact on our health so it is still important.