When you think of risky behaviours, smoking, drinking alcohol in excess, or eating an unhealthy diet all come to mind. However, there is another risk not commonly discussed that can result in serious health issues: air pollution. Although it is a common problem and one that has received more attention in recent years, breathing in polluted air on a regular basis can have serious consequences for your long-term health. With the CDC reporting that 134 million Americans live in areas with unhealthful levels of air pollution — and even more who live in areas with unhealthful levels at some point during the year — it’s important to understand the risks associated with breathing polluted air on a regular basis. To help you understand what exactly is at stake when it comes to breathing polluted air on a regular basis, we’ve listed some of the most important factors below.
What Is Air Pollution?
Air pollution is the presence of hazardous pollutants in the air that can negatively affect human health. In other words, air pollution is the contamination of the atmosphere by pollutants that are harmful to human health. These pollutants can be released into the air through industrial activity, combustion of fossil fuels (e.g., coal, natural gas, or oil), and/or the activities of an increasing population. When such pollutants are breathed in, the immediate effects can include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and eye irritation, among other things. Over time, prolonged exposure to such pollutants can be more serious and result in adverse effects on the respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems, as well as increasing the risk of contracting certain types of cancers. Although different types of pollutants are emitted into the air, the two main types are particulate matter and ozone. Particulate matter can be emitted into the air in the form of dust, soot, metals, carbon, or microorganisms. Ozone, on the other hand, is a colourless and odourless gas that is also an important constituent of the earth’s upper atmosphere.
Respiratory Problems
When you breathe polluted air, it can result in respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It can also increase your chances of contracting respiratory diseases, such as lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If you have allergies or asthma, these are likely to be exacerbated by breathing polluted air. This is because certain pollutants, such as ozone and fine particulate matter, can irritate the lungs. As a result, your airways can become inflamed, making it harder to breathe. If you suffer from asthma or allergies, you’re more likely to experience health problems as a result of breathing polluted air. This is because pollutants can irritate the airways and make breathing difficult. In addition, pollutants can aggravate allergies and asthma, making it even harder to breathe.
Cardiovascular Problems
Air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks. This is because some pollutants, such as ozone and fine particulate matter, can cause inflammation and irritation in the arteries. If you already have heart disease, polluted air can make it worse. This is because it can cause inflammation and irritation in the arteries, which can increase your risk of having a heart attack. If you don’t have heart disease, but you breathe polluted air regularly, you’re still at risk. This is because pollutants can still cause inflammation and irritation in your arteries, increasing your risk of developing heart disease.
Mental Health Issues
Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are all associated with air pollution. Air pollution has been linked to a higher risk of developing mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. This is because it can cause inflammation, which is linked to an increased risk of mental illness. If you already have a mental illness, air pollution can make it worse. This is because it can cause inflammation, which can worsen mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. If you don’t have a mental illness, but you breathe polluted air regularly, you’re still at risk. This is because pollutants can still cause inflammation, which can increase your risk of developing mental health disorders.
Conclusion
Breathing polluted air is a significant health risk that is often overlooked. Even though the air we breathe is invisible and cannot be seen, it can still have a major impact on our health. In fact, pollutants in the air can lead to a variety of health issues and have even been linked to premature death. If you’re breathing polluted air on a regular basis, you’re at risk of developing health issues such as respiratory problems, cardiovascular problems, mental health issues, and more. The best way to reduce your risk of these consequences is to get an air purifier for your home.
