The effect of air pollution on the health of the respiratory system

The effect of air pollution on the health of the respiratory system

I. Review of air pollution and its sources

Air pollution is a comprehensive problem that affects global health and ecology. Its definition covers the presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere, both gaseous and in the form of solid particles, in concentrations that exceed the natural level and have a negative effect on human health, animals, plants and the environment as a whole. The complexity of the problem is aggravated by a variety of sources of pollution, their interaction and ability to transfer at significant distances. Understanding the sources of pollution is the first step to the development of effective strategies to mitigate its consequences.

A. The main air pollutants:

1. Solid particles (CC): Solid particles are a mixture of microscopic solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. They are classified depending on their size, the most common are PM10 (particles with a diameter of less than 10 micrometers) and PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers). PM2.5 pose a particular danger, since they are able to penetrate deep into the lungs and even in the bloodstream. PM sources include:

   • Industry: Industrial processes, such as metallurgy, the production of cement and the chemical industry, emit a significant amount of PF into the atmosphere. These emissions often contain toxic metals and other harmful substances.
   • Transport: The exhaust gases of cars, especially diesel, are a significant source of PM. The wear of the brake pads and tires also contributes to the patching of PM.
   • Heating: The burning of fossil fuel (coal, fuel oil) and biomass (firewood, pellets) for heating, especially in houses with outdated systems, is an important source of CC, especially in the cold season.
   • Agriculture: Soil processing, the use of fertilizers and burning agricultural waste can lead to the formation and release of CC into the atmosphere.
   • Natural sources: The natural sources of PP include dust from deserts, volcanic ash and sea spray. However, anthropogenic sources in most cases prevail, especially in urban areas.

2. Ozon (O3): Ozone is a gas consisting of three oxygen atoms. In the stratosphere, ozone performs an important function, absorbing ultraviolet radiation of the sun. However, in the troposphere (near the surface of the earth), ozone is an air pollutant formed as a result of photochemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (los) in the presence of sunlight. The main sources of NOX and LOS:

   • Transport: Car exhausts are the main source of NOX and LOS.
   • Industry: Industrial processes associated with the use of solvents, paints and other chemicals are released in the atmosphere.
   • Power plants: The burning of fossil fuel at power plants also leads to NOX emissions.

3. Nitrogen oxides (Nox): Nitrogen oxides are a gas group consisting of nitrogen and oxygen. The most common nitrogen oxides polluting air are nitrogen oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). NOX is formed with high -temperature burning of fuel. The main sources of NOX:

   • Transport: Car exhausts are the main source of NOX.
   • Power plants: The burning of fossil fuel at power plants also leads to NOX emissions.
   • Industry: Industrial processes, such as the production of nitric acid and fertilizers, can throw NOX into the atmosphere.

4. Sulfur dioxide (SO2): Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas with a pungent smell. It is formed during the burning of fossil fuel containing sulfur. The main sources of SO2:

   • Power plants: Burning coal at power plants is the main source of SO2.
   • Industry: Industrial processes, such as non -ferrous metal smelting, can also throw SO2 into the atmosphere.
   • Transport: The burning of ship fuel with a high sulfur content is a significant source of SO2 in coastal areas.

5. Ugric gas (CO): Curular gas is a colorless and smell of gas that forms with incomplete combustion of carbon -containing fuel. Co prevents the transfer of oxygen with blood, which can lead to serious health problems. Main sources CO:

   • Transport: Car exhausts are the main source of CO.
   • Incomplete fuel combustion: Incomplete burning of fuel in furnaces, fireplaces and other heating devices can also lead to CO emissions.

6. Flying organic compounds (los): Flying organic compounds is a wide class of chemicals containing carbon and easily evaporated into the air. The elk can be natural (for example, plant secretions) or anthropogenic. Many moos are harmful to health, and some of them contribute to the formation of ozone in the troposphere. The main sources of LOS:

   • Transport: Car exhausts are a significant source of moos.
   • Industry: Industrial processes associated with the use of solvents, paints and other chemicals are released in the atmosphere.
   • Using solvents: The use of paints, varnishes, cleaning products and other products containing solvents also leads to elbow emissions.

7. Ammonia (NH3): Ammonia is a colorless gas with a pungent smell. It is mainly formed in agriculture, in particular, from fertilizers and livestock waste. Ammonia contributes to the formation of secondary particles such as ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate, which are PM2.5 components.

8. Heavy metals: Some industrial processes, such as coal burning and metal smelting, can throw heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic, into the atmosphere. These metals can accumulate in the body and cause serious health problems.

B. Air pollution sources:

1. Industrial enterprises: Large industrial complexes, such as metallurgical plants, chemical enterprises, cement plants and power plants operating on fossil fuel, are the main sources of air pollution. They throw a wide range of pollutants into the atmosphere, including CC, SO2, NOX, moose and heavy metals.

2. Transport: Road, railway, air and water transport are significant sources of air pollution, especially in urban areas. Car exhausts contain CC, NOX, CO, LOS and other pollutants.

3. Energy: The burning of fossil fuel (coal, fuel oil, natural gas) for the production of electricity is an important source of air pollution. Power plants are thrown into the atmosphere SO2, Nox, PM and other pollutants.

4. Agriculture: Agricultural activity, such as the use of fertilizers, soil processing and livestock, can lead to emissions of ammonia, PM and other pollutants. The burning of agricultural waste is also a significant source of air pollution.

5. Housing sector: Heating houses using solid fuel (firewood, coal) and fuel oil, especially in outdated heating systems, can lead to significant emissions of the CC and other pollutants.

6. Natural sources: Although anthropogenic sources of air pollution prevail, natural sources also contribute. These include dust storms, volcanic eruptions, forest fires and emissions of moos with plants.

C. Factors affecting the spread of air pollution:

1. Weather conditions: Wind, temperature, humidity and atmospheric stability have a significant impact on the spread of air pollution. A strong wind can scatter pollutants, while inversions of temperature (when warm air is above the cold) can delay pollutants at the surface of the earth.

2. Topography: Mountains and valleys can contribute to the accumulation of pollutants, since they prevent air dissipation.

3. Geographical position: Cities located near large industrial centers or transport hubs are usually subject to a higher level of air pollution.

4. Seasonality: The level of air pollution can vary depending on the season. For example, in the cold season, the level of PM can be higher due to heating, and in summer the ozone level may be higher due to intense solar radiation.

II. The effect of air pollution on the respiratory system

The respiratory system, being directly interacting with the environment, is especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollutants. Inhaled harmful substances can cause a wide range of diseases, from minor irritations to chronic and deadly diseases. The mechanisms of exposure vary depending on the type of pollutant, its concentration, duration of exposure and individual susceptibility.

A. The mechanisms of exposure to air pollutants on the respiratory system:

1. Righting of the respiratory tract: Many air pollutants, such as SO2, Nox, ozone, etc., can cause irritation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, leading to inflammation, cough, shortness of breath and a sense of constraint in the chest.

2. Oxidative stress: Some pollutants, such as ozone, etc., can cause oxidative stress in the cells of the respiratory system, damaging the cells and impaired their function. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of many respiratory diseases.

3. Inflammation: Air pollution can cause chronic inflammation in the respiratory tract, leading to tissue damage and narrowing of the respiratory tract. Chronic inflammation is a key factor in the development of asthma, COPD and other respiratory diseases.

4. Alveol damage: Solid particles, especially PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs and damage the alveoli, which leads to a decrease in the function of the lungs and the development of emphysema.

5. Violation of mucociliary clearance: Air pollutants can violate the mucociliary clearance – the mechanism of purification of the respiratory tract from mucus and foreign particles. Violation of mucociliary clearance can lead to increased susceptibility to infections.

6. Immunological reactions: Some air pollutants can cause allergic reactions and enhance the immune response, which leads to the development of asthma and other allergic diseases.

B. Diseases of the respiratory system associated with air pollution:

1. Asthma: Air pollution is one of the main factors that contribute to the development and exacerbation of asthma. The influence of pollutants, such as ozone, СО СО, Nox and SO2, can cause inflammation of the respiratory tract, narrowing of the bronchi and an increase in the production of mucus, which leads to asthma attacks. In children living in areas with a high level of air pollution, asthma is more often developing.

2. Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD): Cobble is a progressive lung disease, characterized by restriction of air flow and shortness of breath. Long -term exposure to air pollution, especially the PM and SO2, is an important risk factor for the development of COPD. Air pollution can also aggravate the symptoms of COPD in people who are already suffering from this disease.

3. Respiratory infections: Air pollution can weaken the immune system and violate the mucociliary clearance, which increases the susceptibility to respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Children and elderly people are especially vulnerable to respiratory tract infections caused by air pollution.

4. Lung cancer: A long -term exposure to air pollution, especially the PM containing carcinogenic substances, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAU), increases the risk of lung cancer. Air pollution is one of the main risk factors for the development of lung cancer in non -smokers.

5. Other respiratory diseases: Air pollution can also cause and aggravate other respiratory diseases, such as rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchiolite and lung fibrosis.

C. Groups of the population, most vulnerable to air pollution:

1. Children: Children are more vulnerable to air pollution than adults, since their respiratory system is not yet fully developed, and they breathe more often than adults. The effect of air pollution can lead to the development of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases in children. Air pollution can also affect the development of the lungs in children, leading to a decrease in the function of the lungs in adulthood.

2. Elderly people: Older people are also more vulnerable to air pollution, since their immune system is weakened, and they often suffer from chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and COPD. The effect of air pollution can lead to exacerbation of these diseases and an increase in mortality.

3. People with respiratory diseases: People suffering from asthma, COPD and other respiratory diseases are especially sensitive to air pollution. The effects of pollutants can lead to an exacerbation of the symptoms of these diseases and an increase in the frequency of hospitalization.

4. People with cardiovascular diseases: Air pollution can have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of developing myocardial infarction, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. People with cardiovascular diseases are especially vulnerable to these effects.

5. Pregnant women: The effect of air pollution during pregnancy can have a negative impact on the health of the mother and child. Air pollution can increase the risk of premature birth, low weight at the birth and development of respiratory diseases in children.

D. specific pollutants and their effect on the respiratory system:

1. Solid particles (CC):

   • PM10: Irritate the upper respiratory tract, cause cough, bronchitis and exacerbation of asthma.
   • PM2.5: They penetrate deep into the lungs, damage the alveoli, cause inflammation, contribute to the development of COPD, cancer of the lungs and cardiovascular diseases.

2. Ozon (O3): Irritates the respiratory tract, causes cough, shortness of breath, reduces the function of the lungs, exacerbates asthma, damages the lung cells.

3. Nitrogen dioxide (No2): Irritates the respiratory tract, causes bronchitis, pneumonia, reduces the function of the lungs, exacerbates asthma, especially in children.

4. Sulfur dioxide (SO2): It causes a narrowing of the respiratory tract, cough, shortness of breath, exacerbates asthma and COPD.

5. Ugric gas (CO): Reduces the ability of blood to tolerate oxygen, causes headache, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, can be fatal in high concentrations.

6. Flying organic compounds (los): Some moos are carcinogenic, cause respiratory tract irritation, headache, nausea, dizziness.

III. Diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases caused by air pollution

Diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases associated with air pollution requires an integrated approach taking into account the history of pollutants, clinical symptoms and survey results.

A. Diagnostics:

1. A history of anamnesis: It is important to find out the story of the effects of air pollution, including the place of residence, place of work, habits (smoking, use of furnaces) and the presence of a history of respiratory diseases.

2. Physical examination: The doctor examines the patient, auscultation of the lungs to identify wheezing and other abnormal sounds, as well as the assessment of the general condition.

3. Functional samples of external respiration (FVD): Spirometry is the main method of evaluating the function of the lungs. It allows you to measure the volume of air that the patient can exhale over a certain period of time, as well as the speed of exhalation. The FVD can identify obstructive (for example, with asthma and COPD) and restrictive (for example, with lung fibrosis) impaired lung function.

4. Chest radiography: The radiography of the chest allows you to identify the presence of inflammation, infiltrates, tumors and other changes in the lungs.

5. Computer tomography (CT) of the chest: CT of the chest provides a more detailed image of the lungs than radiography. It can identify the early signs of lung diseases, such as emphysema, fibrosis and bronchiectase.

6. Analysis of the gas composition of arterial blood: This analysis allows you to measure the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, as well as the acid-base balance. It is used to assess the severity of respiratory failure.

7. Bronchoscopy: Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a thin tube with a camera is introduced into the respiratory tract for examining the mucous membrane and taking tissue samples (biopsy) for research. Bronchoscopy can be used to diagnose lung cancer, infections and other respiratory diseases.

8. Allergological examination: In case of suspicion of an allergic nature of a respiratory disease, skin testing or blood test for specific IgE antibodies to various allergens is carried out.

9. Cytological examination of sputum: The study of sputum under a microscope allows you to identify the presence of inflammatory cells, bacteria, fungi and tumor cells.

B. Treatment:

1. Reducing the effects of air pollution: The first step in the treatment of respiratory diseases associated with air pollution is to reduce the effects of pollutants. This may include:

   • Moving to the area with cleaner air: If possible, you should move to the area with a lower level of air pollution.
   • Using air purifiers: The use of air purifiers with HEPA filters can help remove CC from the air in the room.
   • Avoiding stay on the street during high -level air pollution periods: It should be avoided on the street during periods when the level of air pollution is high, especially on days with a high concentration of ozone or CC.
   • Wearing a respirator: Wearing a respirator (for example, N95) can help protect the respiratory tract from PM when being on the street in a contaminated environment.

2. Drug therapy: Medication therapy is aimed at alleviating symptoms, reducing inflammation and improving the function of the lungs. The following drugs can be used depending on the disease:

   • Bronstillers: Bronstillers are drugs that expand the respiratory tract, facilitating breathing. They are used to treat asthma and COPD. The bronchodilators include beta-2 agonists (for example, salbutamol, formoterol) and anticholinergic drugs (for example, Ipetropia, thiotropium).
   • Inhalation corticosteroids: Inhalation corticosteroids are drugs that reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. They are used to treat asthma and COPD. Inhalation corticosteroids include Budesonide, Fluticasone and Becolomethasone.
   • Combined drugs: Combined preparations contain a bronchodilator and inhalation corticosteroid. They are convenient to use and effective for the treatment of asthma and COPD.
   • Mukolitiki: Mucolytics are drugs that dilute sputum, facilitating its expectorant. They are used to treat bronchitis and other diseases accompanied by the formation of thick sputum.
   • Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
   • Leukotrienes inhibitors: Leukotrienes inhibitors are drugs that block the action of leukotrienes – substances that cause inflammation of the respiratory tract. They are used to treat asthma.
   • Theophyllin: Theophylline is a bronchodilator that also has an anti -inflammatory effect. It is used to treat asthma and COPD.
   • Oxygen therapy: Oxygen therapy is used to treat respiratory failure. It provides the flow of additional oxygen into the body.

3. Lung rehabilitation: Lung rehabilitation is a program that helps patients with respiratory diseases improve their physical form, learn how to breathe and manage their symptoms correctly. Lung rehabilitation may include physical exercises, breathing exercises, training and psychological support.

4. Surgical treatment: In some cases, surgical treatment may be required, for example, with lung cancer or emphysema.

5. Vaccination: Vaccination against influenza and pneumococcal infection is recommended for people with respiratory diseases, since these infections can aggravate their condition.

C. Prevention:

1. Reducing air pollution: The main method of prevention of respiratory diseases associated with air pollution is a decrease in air pollution. This requires joint efforts of governments, industrial enterprises and the population. Measures to reduce air pollution include:

   • Implementation of cleaner technologies: The transition to cleaner technologies in industry and energy can significantly reduce pollutant emissions.
   • Using renewable energy sources: The use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy, can replace fossil fuel and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants.
   • Improving the transport system: The development of public transport, the construction of bicycle paths and the creation of pedestrian zones can reduce dependence on cars and reduce exhaust gas emissions.
   • Emissions control: Installation of filters and other devices for monitoring of emissions at industrial enterprises and cars can reduce pollutant emissions.
   • Energy saving: Energy saving can reduce the need for electricity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants.

2. Individual preventive measures: Individual preventive measures can help reduce the effect of air pollution on the body:

   • Avoiding smoking: Smoking damages the lungs and increases the risk of respiratory diseases. Do not smoke and avoid passive smoking.
   • Healthy lifestyle: Healthy nutrition, regular physical exercises and sufficient sleep strengthen the immune system and increase the body’s resistance to pollutants.
   • Using protective equipment: Wearing a respirator when staying on the street in a contaminated environment can help protect the respiratory tract from PM.
   • Vaccination: Vaccination against influenza and pneumococcal infection is recommended for people with respiratory diseases.

IV. The role of the government and society in solving the problem of air pollution

The solution to the problem of air pollution requires joint efforts of governments, industrial enterprises, healthcare organizations and the whole company.

A. The role of the government:

1. Development and implementation of environmental policy: Governments must develop and implement an effective environmental policy aimed at reducing air pollution. This policy should include:

   • Establishment of air quality standards: Governments must establish air quality standards that determine the maximum permissible concentrations of pollutants.
   • Emissions control: Governments must control the emissions of pollutants from industrial enterprises, vehicles and other sources.
   • Promoting the use of pure technologies: Governments should promote the use of clean technologies in industry and energy.
   • Public informing: Governments must inform the public about the risks associated with air pollution, and the measures that can be taken to protect their health.

2. Investments in research and development: Governments should invest in research and development aimed at developing new technologies and methods to reduce air pollution.

3. International cooperation: Air pollution is a cross -border problem, so international cooperation is necessary to solve this problem. Governments must cooperate with each other to exchange information, experience and technologies.

B. The role of industrial enterprises:

1. Implementation of pure technologies: Industrial enterprises should introduce clean technologies that reduce pollutants emissions.

2. Reducing energy consumption: Industrial enterprises should reduce energy consumption, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants.

3. Responsible attitude to the environment: Industrial enterprises should be responsible for the environment and observe environmental norms and rules.

C. The role of healthcare organizations:

1. Public informing: Health organizations must inform the public about risks associated with air pollution, and measures that can be taken to protect their health.

2. Conducting research: Health organizations should conduct research aimed at studying the effect of air pollution on human health.

3. Training of medical workers: Health organizations should teach medical workers the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases associated with air pollution.

D. The role of society:

1. Increased awareness: It is necessary to increase public awareness of the problem of air pollution and its consequences for health.

2. Life change change: People can contribute to a decrease in air pollution by changing their lifestyle:

   • Using public transport: The use of public transport instead of a personal car can reduce exhaust gas emissions.
   • Bicycle and hiking: Bicycle and hiking are environmentally friendly types of transport, which are also healthy.
   • Energy saving: Energy saving in the house can reduce the need for electricity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants.
   • The choice of environmentally friendly products: The choice of environmentally friendly products and services can stimulate enterprises to reduce air pollution.

3. Participation in environmental promotions: Participation in environmental actions and campaigns can help increase awareness about the problem of air pollution and exert pressure on the government and industrial enterprises so that they take measures to reduce air pollution.

V. Prospects for future research

For a deeper understanding of the effects of air pollution on the health of the respiratory system and the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies, further research is required in the following areas:

1. Study of influence mechanisms: A deeper study of the mechanisms is necessary by which various air pollutants affect the respiratory system, including the molecular and cellular levels. This will develop more effective methods of treatment and prevention.

2. Assessment of long -term consequences: It is necessary to conduct long -term studies in order to evaluate the long -term consequences of the effects of air pollution on the health of the respiratory system, including the development of chronic diseases and life expectancy.

3. Development of new diagnostic methods: It is necessary to develop new diagnostic methods that will identify early signs of respiratory diseases associated with air pollution.

4. Assessment of the effectiveness of measures to reduce air pollution: It is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of measures to reduce air pollution in order to determine the most effective strategies.

5. Study of the influence of climatic changes: It is necessary to study the effect of climatic changes on air pollution and the health of the respiratory system.

6. Development of personalized approaches: It is necessary to develop personalized approaches to the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases associated with air pollution, taking into account the individual characteristics of each patient.

The solution to the problem of air pollution requires a comprehensive and multilateral approach, uniting scientific research, technological innovations, state policy and the active participation of the company. Improving the quality of the air will not only improve the health of the respiratory system, but also positively affect the general health of the population and the sustainable development of society.