How is Air Pollution Destroying Your Health Every Day? Tips to Prevent Yourself?

Air pollution does not have geographical limits like nations, regions, or states do. Your health and the health of those you care about may suffer if the outside air quality is too poor. Numerous items, including industries, automobiles, and exhaust fumes, can cause dangerous pollutants to be released into the atmosphere, degrading the quality of the air you breathe. These air contaminants have long-term impacts that can harm your health in many ways and expose you to numerous ailments. The most common health hazards are asthma, allergies, and certain types of cancer. Severe long-term exposures can lower your life expectancy by months to years and can be fatal. According to the World Health Organization, outdoor air pollution causes over 3 million deaths annually.

Dr. Sheetu Singh, a renowned pulmonologist, highlights the alarming impact of air pollution on respiratory health, emphasizing how toxic air affects our lungs, heart, and overall well-being every day. Chronic illnesses including bronchitis, asthma, and even lung cancer can result from extended exposure to pollutants like PM2.5, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide.

Dr. Sheetu Singh recommends easy yet effective ways to combat pollution, such as wearing a mask in high-pollution regions, using indoor air purifiers, eating a diet high in antioxidants, and staying indoors during peak pollution hours. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, we can protect ourselves from the silent yet deadly effects of air pollution.

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How Does Poor Air Quality Make You Sick?

Prolonged exposure to the degraded outside air can lead to serious health issues, such as:

• Wheezing.
• Asthma.
• Chest Pain.
• Shortness of Breath.
• Bronchitis.
• Coughing.
• Premature Death.
• Heart Attacks.

Emergency rooms and extended hospital admissions might also result from poor outdoor air quality. Your child may be absent from school or other everyday activities.

How to Know Whether the Outdoor Air Quality is Impacting You?

The following are some typical indicators that you are being affected by poor air quality:

• Burning Eyes.
• Running Nose.
• Troubled Breathing.
• Excessive Phlegm.
• Irritation in your Lungs and Throat.
• Worsened Conditions of your Heart and Lungs.

You may even experience blurred vision due to smog from smoke, air pollution, or wildfires. This may raise your likelihood of getting into an accident and put you at serious risk when driving.

How is the Air Quality Measured?

The indicator used to gauge the amount of air pollution in your area is called the air quality index, or AQI. The range of the AQI scale is 0 to 500. The air quality in a location is negatively correlated with its score on this scale. To raise public awareness of the air they breathe, the government uses this index. Particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, and lead are the eight major pollutants that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) determined are responsible for air pollution. These pollutants are detected by the air quality sensors placed in your zones.

Causes of Air Pollution 

There are several underlying causes of air pollution. Here are a few of them.

• Electrical Utilities

The air you breathe is lowered by your electrical utilities, which include coal, natural gas, oil, and biomass.

• Transportation

The air quality is impacted by the dangerous pollutants that are released into the atmosphere by your automobiles, buses, trains, and motorcycles.

• Residential Sources

Fuels like coal and wood are burned in homes, which contributes to air pollution. Air pollutants are also released when lawns are mowed.

• Commercial and Industrial

Industries or manufacturing facilities can create an environment where people can’t breathe by burning coal excessively and utilizing a lot of heat and power.

Tips for Prevention of Air Pollution

These are some things you should know about preventing air pollution:

• The government publishes air pollution projections every day. Look at the one in your neighborhood. You can tell which areas have poor air quality by looking at the color-coded forecast.
• When the air quality in your area declines, limit your outside activities and refrain from exercising outside. Limit the amount of time your child spends outside as well.
• Lower the use of energy at your home. Continuous use of electricity and other energy sources can trigger air pollution.
• For short distances, choose to walk or ride a bicycle. Utilize public transportation to its fullest potential. 
• Don’t burn your wood scraps or rubbish. These are the main sources of contaminants that might enter your lungs. 
• Choose hand-operated or electric lawn care equipment over ones that run on gasoline. 
• Disasters are likely to strike you shortly if the air quality falls below usual. Be ready for emergencies. 
• Verify the purity of the air within your home. Humidifiers can help you keep the air in your home at a healthy level. 
• There are steps that can be taken, and people are advised to stop air pollution. By looking for campaigns in which you can actively engage and provide feedback, you may make your voice heard.

FAQs

How does air pollution affect my health?

Lung infections, bronchitis, and asthma are among the respiratory conditions that can be brought on by air pollution. The risk of heart disease, stroke, and potentially lung cancer rises with prolonged exposure. In addition to impairing immunity, polluted air can exacerbate pre-existing medical disorders.

Can air pollution affect children and elderly people more?

Yes, children, elderly individuals, and those with pre-existing conditions are more vulnerable. They are more vulnerable to lung injury, allergies, and respiratory illnesses because their immune systems are either immature or compromised.

Does air pollution only affect outdoor air quality?

No, pollution of indoor air is another issue. Indoor air pollution can be caused by dust, pet dander, cooking smoke, and chemicals from household cleaners. Proper ventilation and air purification can help.

Can air pollution cause long-term disease?

Yes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, cardiovascular ailments, and even neurological issues can result from extended exposure to polluted air. It can also contribute to premature aging and skin damage.

What are the government measures to control air pollution?

Governments enforce green energy projects, stringent automobile emission regulations, pollution control laws, and tree planting campaigns. However, individuals must also contribute by using public transport, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable practices.