Environmental and Health Impacts of Air Pollution: A Review

Environmental and Health Impacts of Air Pollution: A Review

20 February 2020 | Ioannis Manisalis, Elisavet Stavropoulou, Agathangelos Stavropoulos, Eugenia Bezirtzoglou
Air pollution is a major global health and environmental issue, with significant impacts on both human health and the environment. It is caused by various pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, lead, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, reproductive and central nervous system disorders, and cancer. Air pollution is also linked to climate change, which affects ecosystems and increases the spread of infectious diseases. The health effects of air pollution are particularly severe for vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with chronic diseases, including asthma, lung cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Short-term exposure can lead to acute symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. Air pollution is a major contributor to global mortality, with about 9 million deaths per year attributed to it. The sources of air pollution include industrial activities, transportation, and natural sources such as volcanic eruptions and forest fires. The control of air pollution requires a multidisciplinary approach, including technological solutions, public awareness, and policy interventions. Effective air quality management involves monitoring and reducing emissions, as well as implementing measures to reduce the impact of air pollution on public health and the environment. The health and environmental impacts of air pollution are significant, and addressing this issue requires coordinated efforts at the local, national, and international levels.Air pollution is a major global health and environmental issue, with significant impacts on both human health and the environment. It is caused by various pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, lead, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, reproductive and central nervous system disorders, and cancer. Air pollution is also linked to climate change, which affects ecosystems and increases the spread of infectious diseases. The health effects of air pollution are particularly severe for vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with chronic diseases, including asthma, lung cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Short-term exposure can lead to acute symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. Air pollution is a major contributor to global mortality, with about 9 million deaths per year attributed to it. The sources of air pollution include industrial activities, transportation, and natural sources such as volcanic eruptions and forest fires. The control of air pollution requires a multidisciplinary approach, including technological solutions, public awareness, and policy interventions. Effective air quality management involves monitoring and reducing emissions, as well as implementing measures to reduce the impact of air pollution on public health and the environment. The health and environmental impacts of air pollution are significant, and addressing this issue requires coordinated efforts at the local, national, and international levels.
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