Environmental and health impacts of air pollution: A mini-review

Abstract

Air pollution is one of the leading risk factors for death but also a significant contributor to the global disease burden, affecting quality of life. According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, seven million people die from air pollution every year, and 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe polluted air. Any person can be affected by exposure to polluted air, especially the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with comorbidities. Some studies indicate that the diseases most affected by air pollution are respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. The degree of effect on the body depends on the pollutant composition, source and dose, level and duration of exposure to polluted air. Particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and sulphur dioxide (SO₂) could lead to air pollution. Long-term exposure to air pollution can affect every organ in the body and worsen existing health conditions. Short-term exposure to contaminants can include unpleasant sensations such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, eye, nose, and throat irritation, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. Community and individual solutions such as using clean fuel, wearing personal masks, filtering indoor air, and ventilating need to be taken to reduce the impact of air pollution.