Air Pollution and Health Problems

Nancy Clyne
Air pollution is considred to be chemicals released into the air or the atmosphere. Here are some instances of basic air contaminants:

sulfur dioxide

carbon monoxide

chlorofluorocarbons

diesel particles

nitrogen oxides.

Chemical carcinogens in the air have been associated with some cancers and other harmful diseases.

Even though air pollution may possibly impact most circulatory systems within the human body, the respiratory and the cardiovascular system tend to be the most affected. Generally, many people can suffer several reactions to air pollutants, depending on health conditions, environment, and genetics. But, accumulated levels of pollution in the air most likely affects everyone, no matter how old they are, where they live, and and even their health status.

Once the lungs have breathed in low quality air the respiratory system can become less resistant to infections. It is a reality that in addition to just oxygen in the air, there are also possibly harmful contaminants, such as free radicals, metals, and other substances, that may have the potential to injure the sensitive tissue in the lungs.

Furthermore, the cardiovascular system, as well as the respiratory system, can also be affected by air pollutants. The cardiovascular system is responsible for delivering respiratory gases, nutrients, and hormones into the tissues and cells of the body. Consequently, breathing in air pollutants may be assimilated by the heart through the bloodstream. Some of the results of chemical pollution into the cardiovascular system might be inflammatory effects, heart contractions, and heart arrhythmia.

Some lung and heart diseases have been linked to air pollution. Commong lung infections might include bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and difficulty in breathing. Asthma continues to affect not only children but adults as well. Physicians believe these infections are caused by the changes in the environment, lifestyle, and the rising number of air contaminants in the atmosphere.

Air pollution may either have short-term or long-term results on people's health. Allergic reaction such as rhinitis, eye irritation, nausea, headaches, and coughing are a a couple of of the short-term responses. The long-term effects of air pollution tend to be chronic respiratory diseases as mentioned above.

Oxygen free radicals are believed to be the result of chemical substances. These free radicals can either be ingested through water or through air inhalation. Because these free radicals oxidise low-density lipoproteins, it may lead to blood vessel cells being injured which then increases the acceleration of inflammation cells.

Remember that if you are experiencing any breathing problems or any chronic respiratory illnesses to contact your doctor.

Published by Nancy Clyne

I am a pastor's wife and a mother of 3 children. Two boys who are Autistic and a little 3 year old girl who we adopted from China  View profile

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