Environmental impact on human respiratory health

Environmental impact on human respiratory health

1. Atmospheric pollution and its components

Atmospheric pollution is a complex mixture of gases, solid particles and liquids located in the air. These pollutants can be both natural and anthropogenic origin, and their impact on human respiratory health is a widespread problem of public health.

• 1.1. The main air pollutants:

  • 1.1.1. Solid particles (PM): PM is a set of microscopic solid and liquid particles balanced in the air. They are classified in size, the most important from the point of view of health are PM10 (particles in size up to 10 micrometers) and PM2.5 (particles in size up to 2.5 micrometers). Sources of PM are fuel combustion (cars, power plants, heating), industrial processes, construction work, road dust and natural sources, such as pollen and volcanic ash. Small particles (PM2.5) are especially dangerous, since they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even get into the bloodstream.

  • 1.1.2. Ozon (O3): Ozone in the stratosphere protects us from harmful ultraviolet radiation of the sun. However, in the troposphere (at the Earth’s level), ozone is a secondary pollutant formed as a result of chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOCS) in the presence of sunlight. The main sources of NOX and VOCS are emissions from vehicles, industrial enterprises and the use of solvents. High ozone concentrations can cause respiratory tract irritation, cough, shortness of breath and exacerbation of asthma.

  • 1.1.3. Nitrogen oxides (Nox): NOX (mainly NO and NO2) are formed during fuel burning at high temperatures, especially in internal combustion engines and at power plants. No2 is a strong respiratory tract irritant and can contribute to the development of respiratory infections. NOX are also the predecessors of the formation of ozone and acid rains.

  • 1.1.4. Sulfur oxides (SOX): SOX, mainly sulfur dioxide (SO2), are formed during the burning of fossil fuel containing sulfur such as coal and fuel oil. SO2 causes respiratory tract irritation, cough, wheezing and exacerbation of asthma. Sox are also the precursors of acid rains and smog.

  • 1.1.5. Ugric gas (CO): Co is formed with incomplete combustion of fuel. The main sources of CO are exhaust gases of cars, heating devices and industrial processes. CO is a toxic gas that binds to hemoglobin in the blood, preventing the transportation of oxygen to tissues of the body. High concentrations CO can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness and even death.

  • 1.1.6. Flying organic compounds (VOCS): VOCS is a large group of organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. They are found in various products, such as paints, varnishes, solvents, cleaning products, building materials and household items. Some VOCS, such as benzene and formaldehyde, are carcinogens. VOCS can cause respiratory tract irritation, headache, dizziness and nausea.

  • 1.1.7. Heavy metals: Heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic, can fall into the air from industrial emissions, burning waste and road dust. These metals can accumulate in the body and cause various diseases, including respiratory problems.

• 1.2. Sources of atmospheric pollution:

  • 1.2.1. Transport: Road, railway, aviation and water transport are significant sources of atmospheric pollution. Internal combustion engines are thrown out PM, Nox, Co, Vocs and other pollutants.

  • 1.2.2. Industry: Industrial enterprises, such as power plants, oil refineries, metallurgical plants and chemical plants, throw various pollutants into the atmosphere, including PM, SOX, NOX, VOCS and heavy metals.

  • 1.2.3. Energy: The burning of fossil fuel for the production of electricity is the main source of air pollution, especially PM, SOX and NOX.

  • 1.2.4. Agriculture: Agricultural activity, such as the use of fertilizers and pesticides, ammonia emissions from animal husbandry and burning agricultural waste, can pollute air.

  • 1.2.5. Heating: The burning of firewood, coal and fuel oil for heating residential and industrial premises is a significant source of air pollution, especially PM and CO.

  • 1.2.6. Natural sources: Natural sources of air pollution include volcanic eruptions, forest fires, dust storms and plant pollen emissions.

2. The effect of atmospheric pollution on the respiratory system

Atmospheric pollution has a wide range of negative effects on the human respiratory system, ranging from slight irritation of the respiratory tract to serious diseases and even death.

• 2.1. Exact mechanisms:

  • 2.1.1. Oxidizing stress: Many air pollutants, such as ozone and PM, cause oxidative stress in the cells of the respiratory tract. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to neutralize them. Free radicals damage cells and tissues, causing inflammation and other pathological processes.

  • 2.1.2. Inflammation: Air pollutants can cause inflammation of the respiratory tract, leading to edema, narrowing of the bronchi and increased production of mucus. Chronic inflammation can lead to damage to lung tissues and the development of chronic respiratory diseases.

  • 2.1.3. Epithelial damage: The epithelium of the respiratory tract is a protective barrier that lines the surface of the lungs. Air pollutants can damage the epithelium, making it more susceptible to infections and allergens.

  • 2.1.4. Immune disorders: Air pollutants can disrupt the function of the immune system, weakening the body’s protection from respiratory infections and allergic reactions.

• 2.2. Respiratory diseases associated with air pollution:

  • 2.2.1. Asthma: Astma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract, characterized by episodes of difficulty breathing, wheezing and coughing. Air pollution, especially ozone and PM, can cause an exacerbation of asthma and increase the need for drugs. Long -term exposure to contaminated air can also contribute to the development of asthma in children.

  • 2.2.2. Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD): Cobble is a group of chronic respiratory diseases characterized by limitation of the air flow in the lungs. The main causes of COPD are smoking and exposure to contaminated air. Air pollution can accelerate the progression of COPD and increase the frequency of exacerbations.

  • 2.2.3. Respiratory infections: Air pollution weakens the immune system and damages the epithelium of the respiratory tract, making people more susceptible to respiratory infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

  • 2.2.4. Lung cancer: Long -term exposure to contaminated air, especially PM2.5 and some VOCS, increases the risk of lung cancer.

  • 2.2.5. Other respiratory diseases: Air pollution can also contribute to the development of other respiratory diseases, such as allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and cystic fibrosis.

• 2.3. At-risk groups:

  • 2.3.1. Children: Children are more susceptible to polluted air, since their respiratory system is not yet fully developed and they breathe more often than adults.

  • 2.3.2. Elderly people: Older people often have a weakened immune system and chronic diseases, which makes them more vulnerable to contaminated air.

  • 2.3.3. People with existing respiratory diseases: People with asthma, COPD and other respiratory diseases are especially sensitive to contaminated air.

  • 2.3.4. People with cardiovascular diseases: Air pollution can have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

  • 2.3.5. Pregnant women: The effects of contaminated air during pregnancy can negatively affect the health of the mother and child, increasing the risk of premature birth, low birth weight and respiratory problems in newborns.

3. Intodomous air pollution

Introdomal air pollution is air pollution inside buildings, such as houses, offices and schools. Sources of intra -domestic air pollution can be different and include building materials, household products, heating devices and poor ventilation.

• 3.1. Sources of internal air pollution:

  • 3.1.1. Smoking: Smoking tobacco is the main source of intra -house air pollution. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals, many of which are carcinogens and respiratory tract stimuli.

  • 3.1.2. Heating devices: The burning of firewood, coal, gas and kerosene in heating devices can pollute the air of PM, CO, NOX and other pollutants.

  • 3.1.3. Building materials: Some building materials, such as chipboard, carpet and glue, can distinguish VOCS, such as formaldehyde.

  • 3.1.4. Household products: Cleaning products, paints, varnishes, solvents and other household products can distinguish VOCS and other pollutants.

  • 3.1.5. Mold: Mold can grow in wet rooms and distinguish disputes that can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

  • 3.1.6. Dust: Home dust can contain dust ticks, pets hair, plant pollen and other allergens that can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

  • 3.1.7. Radon: Radon is a radioactive gas that can penetrate the soil houses. Long -term impact of radon increases the risk of lung cancer.

  • 3.1.8. Asbestos: Asbest is a mineral fiber, which was previously used in building materials. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.

• 3.2. The effect of intra -domestic air pollution on respiratory health:

  • 3.2.1. Allergic reactions: Front ticks, pets wool, plant pollen and mold spores can cause allergic reactions such as allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and asthma.

  • 3.2.2. Righting of the respiratory tract: Vocs, tobacco smoke and other pollutants can cause respiratory tract irritation, cough, wheezing and shortness of breath.

  • 3.2.3. Respiratory infections: Air pollution can weaken the immune system and damage the epithelium of the respiratory tract, making people more susceptible to respiratory infections.

  • 3.2.4. Lung cancer: Long -term exposure to tobacco smoke, radon and asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer.

  • 3.2.5. Syndrome of a sick building: A sindr of a sick building is a group of symptoms such as headache, fatigue, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, which are associated with finding in certain buildings. The cause of the sore building syndrome is often the intra -house air pollution.

• 3.3. Measures to reduce intra -house air pollution:

  • 3.3.1. Ventilation: Provide good ventilation in the house, opening windows and using fans.

  • 3.3.2. Air filtration: Use air filters to remove PM and other air pollutants.

  • 3.3.3. Avoid smoking: Do not smoke in the house and avoid exposure to passive smoking.

  • 3.3.4. Use safe products: Use cleaning products, paints and other domestic products with a low VOCS content.

  • 3.3.5. Control humidity: Maintain low humidity in the house to prevent mold growth.

  • 3.3.6. Regular cleaning: Remove the house regularly to remove dust, pets wool and other allergens.

  • 3.3.7. Checking Radon: Check the house for Radon and take measures to reduce it, if necessary.

  • 3.3.8. Asbesta removal: If your house has asbestos -containing materials, contact a specialist to delete them.

4. Professional impact

Professional impact is the effect of air pollutants in the workplace. Many professions are associated with the influence of various pollutants who can have a negative impact on respiratory health.

• 4.1. High risk professions:

  • 4.1.1. Mining industry: Miners are exposed to dust, radon and other pollutants, which increases the risk of pneumoconiosis, lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.

  • 4.1.2. Construction: Builders are exposed to dust, asbestos, welding gases and other pollutants, which increases the risk of asbestosis, lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.

  • 4.1.3. Agriculture: Agricultural workers are exposed to dust, pesticides, ammonia and other pollutants, which increases the risk of developing asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.

  • 4.1.4. Production: Workers in production are exposed to various chemicals, dust and gases, which increases the risk of developing asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.

  • 4.1.5. Healthcare: Medical workers are exposed to infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria, as well as chemicals such as disinfectants, which increases the risk of respiratory infections and asthma.

  • 4.1.6. Transport: Drivers and other transport industry workers are exposed to exhaust gases and other pollutants, which increases the risk of developing asthma, bronchitis and lung cancer.

• 4.2. Types of pollutants at the workplace:

  • 4.2.1. Dust: Dust can be organic (for example, cotton dust, wood dust) or inorganic (for example, silicate dust, asbestos dust). Dust inhalation can cause various respiratory diseases, such as pneumoconiosis, asthma and bronchitis.

  • 4.2.2. Chemicals: Many chemicals used at the workplace can cause respiratory tract irritation, asthma, bronchitis and lung cancer.

  • 4.2.3. Gas: Gases, such as ammonia, chlorine and sulfur dioxide, can cause respiratory tract irritation, pulmonary edema and other respiratory problems.

  • 4.2.4. Biological agents: Biological agents, such as viruses, bacteria and fungi, can cause respiratory infections and allergic reactions.

• 4.3. Measures to reduce professional influence:

  • 4.3.1. Ventilation: Provide good ventilation at the workplace to remove pollutants from the air.

  • 4.3.2. Using personal protective equipment (PPE): Use PPE, such as respirators, masks and protective glasses, to protect the respiratory system and eyes from the effects of pollutants.

  • 4.3.3. Control over sources of pollution: Take measures to monitor pollution sources, such as the use of dusting devices and replacing hazardous chemicals with less dangerous.

  • 4.3.4. Training: Carry out the training of workers about risks associated with professional influence, and about measures to reduce them.

  • 4.3.5. Medical examination: Carry regular medical examinations of employees to detect respiratory diseases at an early stage.

5. Climate changes and respiratory health

Climate changes have an increasing effect on human respiratory health. Climate change leads to an increase in temperature, increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena, a change in the spread of allergens and air pollutants.

• 5.1. Temperature increase:

  • 5.1.1. Increase in ozone formation: An increase in temperature contributes to the formation of ozone in the troposphere, which can lead to exacerbation of asthma and other respiratory diseases.

  • 5.1.2. Increasing the duration of the allergy season: An increase in temperature can increase the duration of the allergy season, leading to an increase in the amount of pollen in the air and exacerbation of allergic reactions.

• 5.2. Extreme weather phenomena:

  • 5.2.1. Forest fires: Climate change increases the risk of forest fires, which lead to air pollution PM, CO and other pollutants. Smoke from forest fires can cause respiratory tract irritation, exacerbation of asthma and other respiratory diseases.

  • 5.2.2. Floods: Flows can lead to an increase in mold in houses and other buildings, which can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

  • 5.2.3. Dusty storms: Climate change can lead to an increase in the frequency and intensity of dust storms, which can cause respiratory tract irritation, exacerbation of asthma and other respiratory diseases.

• 5.3. Changing the spread of allergens:

  • 5.3.1. Expansion of the area of allergenic plants: Climate change can lead to the expansion of the range of allergenic plants, such as ambrosia, which can increase the amount of pollen in the air and exacerbation of allergic reactions.

• 5.4. Changing the spread of air pollutants:

  • 5.4.1. An increase in the concentration of pollutants: Climate change can lead to an increase in the concentration of air pollutants, such as ozone and PM, in some regions.

• 5.5. Measures to mitigate the effects of climatic changes on respiratory health:

  • 5.5.1. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: A decrease in greenhouse gas emissions is an important step to mitigate climatic changes and reduce their effects on respiratory health.

  • 5.5.2. Adaptation to climatic changes: Adaptation to climatic changes includes measures to reduce vulnerability to the effects of climatic changes on respiratory health, such as improving the warning systems about forest fires and dust storms, as well as ensuring access to medical care for people with respiratory diseases.

6. Measures to protect respiratory health

Protection of respiratory health requires an integrated approach, including measures to reduce air pollution, improve the quality of air in the premises, protect workers at the workplace and mitigate the effects of climatic changes.

• 6.1. Measures at the state level:

  • 6.1.1. Establishment of air quality standards: Governments must establish air quality standards to regulate the emissions of pollutants from industrial enterprises, vehicles and other sources.

  • 6.1.2. Control over pollutants emissions: Governments must monitor the emissions of pollutants from industrial enterprises, vehicles and other sources.

  • 6.1.3. Development of public transport: The development of public transport can help reduce air pollution from cars.

  • 6.1.4. Energy efficiency promotion: Promotion of energy efficiency can help reduce air pollution from power plants and heating devices.

  • 6.1.5. Public informing: Governments must inform the public about risks associated with air pollution, and measures to protect respiratory health.

• 6.2. Measures at the individual level:

  • 6.2.1. Avoid exposure to contaminated air: Avoid exposure to contaminated air, especially on days with a high level of pollution.

  • 6.2.2. Use air filters: Use air filters in the house and car to remove air pollutants.

  • 6.2.3. Improver the rooms: Ventate the premises regularly to remove pollutants from the air.

  • 6.2.4. Do not smoke: Do not smoke and avoid exposure to passive smoking.

  • 6.2.5. Cleaning regularly: Regularly clean the house to remove dust, pets wool and other allergens.

  • 6.2.6. Follow the weather forecast: Follow the weather forecast and avoid the effects of smoke from forest fires and dust storms.

  • 6.2.7. Consult a doctor: Contact the doctor if you have respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath.

• 6.3. Measures for people with respiratory diseases:

  • 6.3.1. Follow the doctor’s recommendations: Follow the doctor’s recommendations for the treatment of a respiratory disease.

  • 6.3.2. Avoid exposure to pollutants: Avoid the effects of pollutants that can cause an exacerbation of a respiratory disease.

  • 6.3.3. Use inhalers: Use inhalers as prescribed by a doctor.

  • 6.3.4. Wear a mask: Wear the mask on days with a high level of pollution.

  • 6.3.5. Get a flu and pneumonia vaccine: Get a flu and pneumonia vaccination to protect against respiratory infections.

Protection of respiratory health is an important task of public health. Taking measures to reduce air pollution, improve the quality of air in the premises, protect workers in the workplace and mitigate the effects of climatic changes, we can improve the respiratory health and quality of people’s life.