Health Effects of Air Pollution

By Chantel Castrejon, Staff Reporter

Courtesy of UNITED NATIONS ESCAP

According to new World Health Organization (WHO) results, nine out of ten people breathe air that contains high levels of contaminants. WHO also reported that about 7 million people die each year as a result of breathing dirty air. The research, which focuses on global mortality caused by particulate matter generated by the combustion of fossil fuels, makes use of several sophisticated calculation techniques.

“Climate change and air pollution know no borders, and antibiotics resistance respects no boundaries," activist Rohini Nilekani said. "Bacteria from Africa can make people in America sick. The burning of Indonesian forests can keep Asia gasping for breath."

Pollution reaches the atmosphere through a number of paths. Humans are responsible for the majority of air pollution, which comes from mills, vehicles, boats, and aerosol cans. Smoke from other people's tobacco is often called waste. Anthropogenic sources are waste sources that are produced by humans.

“As someone who has asthma, air pollution really effects me," middle school student Aliyah Santos said. "If we could reduce this problem it would help not only me but others as well, it’s good for the environment and for us as well!"

People who are prone to air pollution suffer from a variety of health problems. Diseases such as pneumonia or bronchitis are examples of short-term consequences of air pollution which can also cause inflammation to the nose, mouth, eyes, or skin. Headaches, dizziness, and nausea are also symptoms of inhaling air pollution.

According to a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Widespread scientific consensus exists that the world’s climate is changing. Some of these changes will likely include more variable weather, heat waves, heavy precipitation events, flooding, droughts, more intense storms, sea level rise, and air pollution. Each of these impacts could negatively affect public health."

Studies have shown that anyone can contribute to reducing air pollution. Millions of people already make small improvements in their lives every day to accomplish this goal (such as taking public transportation or riding a bike rather than driving a car). Communities across the globe are looking at the best possible practices to reduce pollution in order to prevent harm to others.