20 February 2020 | Ioannis Manisalidis, Elisavet Stavropoulou, Agathangelos Stavropoulos, Eugenia Bezirtzoglou
Air pollution is a major global health and environmental issue, with significant impacts on human health and ecosystems. The article reviews the various pollutants, their sources, and their effects. Key pollutants include particulate matter (PM), ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, lead, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, reproductive and neurological issues, and cancer. PM, especially PM2.5, is particularly harmful due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. Ozone at ground level is toxic, affecting the respiratory system and contributing to smog. Nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide also pose serious health risks. Lead exposure can lead to poisoning and developmental issues, especially in children. VOCs and dioxins are linked to cancer and other health problems.
Air pollution affects both urban and rural areas, with developing countries facing more severe challenges due to overpopulation, industrialization, and lack of regulation. Indoor air pollution, caused by the use of solid fuels for cooking and heating, is a significant issue, particularly for women and children. The article highlights the link between air pollution and climate change, as pollutants like black carbon and methane contribute to global warming. Climate change, in turn, affects the spread of infectious diseases and exacerbates health risks.
The article emphasizes the need for public awareness, multidisciplinary approaches, and policy interventions to mitigate air pollution. It discusses the importance of emission inventories, technological solutions, and regulatory standards. The impact of air pollution on health includes both short-term effects like respiratory irritation and long-term effects such as chronic diseases and cancer. The article also touches on the environmental consequences of air pollution, including acid rain, haze, and damage to ecosystems. Overall, the review underscores the urgent need for global cooperation and effective strategies to reduce air pollution and protect public health.Air pollution is a major global health and environmental issue, with significant impacts on human health and ecosystems. The article reviews the various pollutants, their sources, and their effects. Key pollutants include particulate matter (PM), ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, lead, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, reproductive and neurological issues, and cancer. PM, especially PM2.5, is particularly harmful due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. Ozone at ground level is toxic, affecting the respiratory system and contributing to smog. Nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide also pose serious health risks. Lead exposure can lead to poisoning and developmental issues, especially in children. VOCs and dioxins are linked to cancer and other health problems.
Air pollution affects both urban and rural areas, with developing countries facing more severe challenges due to overpopulation, industrialization, and lack of regulation. Indoor air pollution, caused by the use of solid fuels for cooking and heating, is a significant issue, particularly for women and children. The article highlights the link between air pollution and climate change, as pollutants like black carbon and methane contribute to global warming. Climate change, in turn, affects the spread of infectious diseases and exacerbates health risks.
The article emphasizes the need for public awareness, multidisciplinary approaches, and policy interventions to mitigate air pollution. It discusses the importance of emission inventories, technological solutions, and regulatory standards. The impact of air pollution on health includes both short-term effects like respiratory irritation and long-term effects such as chronic diseases and cancer. The article also touches on the environmental consequences of air pollution, including acid rain, haze, and damage to ecosystems. Overall, the review underscores the urgent need for global cooperation and effective strategies to reduce air pollution and protect public health.