Air pollution is a common problem that occurs in various places around the world. The impact of air pollution on health cannot be underestimated because it can trigger various diseases.
Air pollution occurs when the inhaled air mixes with toxic substances from vehicle fumes, factory waste, dust, pollen, and forest fire smoke. Air pollution is divided into 2 categories, namely outdoor air pollution and indoor air pollution.
Outdoor pollution includes burning fossil fuels (vehicle and factory fumes), harmful gases (sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide), and cigarette smoke.
Meanwhile, examples of indoor air pollution are gases (carbon monoxide, radon), household products and chemicals, cigarette smoke, building materials (asbestos, lead, formaldehyde), indoor allergens (cockroaches, rat droppings, dust), and mold and mildew. pollen.
In some cases, outdoor air pollution can enter the house through open windows, doors, vents, and other ventilation holes. Pollution can happen not only in the city, but also in the countryside.
Risks and Adverse Impacts of Air Pollution for Health
Reducing the level of air pollution in a country has helped reduce the risk of its citizens for heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, premature birth, asthma, acute respiratory disorders, and also death.
The impact of air pollution on pregnant women for example, air pollution can cause the development of the lungs and kidneys of the fetus in the womb to be hampered, it can even increase the risk of miscarriage.
In older people, air pollution can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and dementia. The risk of developing asthma, diabetes, obesity, to cancer also haunts people of all ages who are often exposed to air pollution.
Some of the triggers of air pollution and their bad effects on health are:
1. Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide has no odor or color. This toxic substance is produced from burning coal, fuel for motor vehicles, firewood for stoves, power plants, and industrial waste.
If this substance is inhaled or enters the body, you may experience carbon monoxide poisoning. When this happens, the blood supply that carries oxygen throughout the body can be blocked.
Carbon monoxide poisoning has different effects because it depends on how long the exposure is and how much carbon monoxide is inhaled. If only a small amount is inhaled, symptoms such as headache, dizziness, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue may be felt.
Symptoms of mild carbon monoxide poisoning at first glance are indeed similar to the symptoms of poisoning. Meanwhile, the symptoms of high and prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can cause visual disturbances, chest pain, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, and even death.
2. Nitrogen dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) produced from the combustion process emissions of power plants, vehicle engines, and ships. NO2 can irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.
NO exposure2 It can worsen respiratory diseases such as asthma. NO Particles2 can penetrate into sensitive lungs and can cause or worsen respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema.
NO . air pollution impact2 It can also decrease lung function and increase the risk of respiratory infections. In fact, exposure can also exacerbate heart disease and premature death.
3. Solid and liquid particles
These airborne particulate components include sulfates, nitrates, organic chemicals, metals, soil particles, or dust. These particles are found in vehicle fumes, power plants, and forest fires. If you are exposed to this combination of particles continuously, the risk of death from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases increases.
4. Ozone
Ozone at ground level is different from the ozone layer in the atmosphere. In the air, ozone acts as an antidote to ultraviolet (UV) light, while at the earth's surface, ozone is included in the category of pollution.
Ozone on Earth's surface is formed when sunlight triggers chemical reactions between polluting elements. Ozone is a highly reactive gas that can irritate the eyes and cause upper and lower respiratory problems in even healthy people.
The impact of ozone air pollution is that it can trigger asthma attacks in asthmatics. Ozone can also increase a person's susceptibility to respiratory infections and exacerbate pre-existing respiratory illnesses.
Long-term exposure to high ozone concentrations can cause a significant decrease in lung function, airway swelling, and respiratory distress. People with lung disease are particularly vulnerable to the respiratory effects of exposure to ozone at the earth's surface.
5. Sulfur dioxide
Sulfur dioxide or SO2 produced by burning coal and gasoline. This substance can irritate the eyes and nose. Inhalation of this element can cause narrowing of the respiratory tract, and people with asthma and chronic respiratory diseases will be more sensitive to SO . exposure2.
6. Lead
The majority of lead or also known as tin comes from emissions from vehicles, industry, soldering and paint. Lead is very toxic and the impact of lead air pollution can cause damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and interfere with the process of forming hemoglobin.
Children are classified as vulnerable to the effects of lead because exposure to it can lead to decreased IQ scores (level of intelligence), decreased achievement, behavioral disorders, delayed puberty, decreased hearing function, and cognitive performance.
While in adults, lead exposure can cause cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, decreased fertility, and decreased kidney function.
Reduce the Risk of Exposure to Air Pollution with These Steps
To reduce the impact of indoor air pollution, you can do the following:
- Make sure that your home or office is well ventilated.
- Clean the vents regularly to prevent dust build-up and mold build-up.
- Use household supplies and necessities wisely. We recommend reducing the use of pollutants and irritants such as aerosols, household cleaning chemicals, and other polluting substances.
- Cook on gas-efficient stoves and limit the use of electricity or fuel.
In addition, to reduce the effects of free radicals from pollution, you can also consume enough antioxidants from various foods and drinks or supplements.
Meanwhile, in order to reduce the impact of outdoor or outdoor air pollution, you are advised to pay attention to the surrounding air quality index. If the air quality index is poor or red, limit activities in that area.
In addition, try to reduce air pollution. There are various ways, ranging from using environmentally friendly energy, traveling by public transportation, bicycle or walking, to quitting smoking.
The impact of air pollution on health cannot be underestimated, so it is important to limit activities in places with high air pollution. If you live in a highly polluted area, it is advisable to consult a doctor if you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, coughing, and wheezing.
