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Human health and air quality: inextricable connection
The atmosphere surrounding us is not just the environment in which we exist, but also the most important element that supports our life. The quality of the air we breathe directly affects our health, well -being and life expectancy. Contaminated air, saturated with solid particles, gaseous pollutants and other harmful substances, is a serious threat to human health, causing a wide range of diseases and aggravating existing conditions. In this article, we will consider in detail the relationship between the quality of the air and the health of a person, we will study the main air pollutants, their effects on various body systems, and also discuss measures to improve air quality and protect our health.
The main air pollutants and their sources
Atmospheric air contains many pollutants, both natural and anthropogenic origin. The main air pollutants, pose a threat to human health, include:
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Solid particles (PM): Solid particles are a mixture of the smallest solid and liquid particles balanced in the air. They are classified in size, the most common are PM10 (particles with a diameter of up to 10 micrometers) and PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of up to 2.5 micrometers). Sources of solid particles are industrial enterprises, transport, construction, agriculture, forest fires and volcanic activities. PM2.5, due to their small size, can penetrate deep into the lungs and even in the bloodstream, having a more serious effect on health.
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Ozon (O3): Ozone is a gaseous pollutant formed as a result of chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) under the influence of sunlight. The main sources of NOX and VOC are transport, industrial enterprises and solvents. Ozone, in contrast to the stratospheric ozone that protects us from ultraviolet radiation, is a toxic gas that irritates the respiratory tract and can cause breathing problems.
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Nitrogen oxides (Nox): Nitrogen oxides, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), are gaseous pollutants formed as a result of fuel burning, especially in vehicles and industrial enterprises. NOX contribute to the formation of smog and acid rains, and can also cause respiratory tract irritation and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.
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Sulfur dioxide (SO2): Sulfur dioxide is a gaseous pollutant formed as a result of the burning of fossil fuel containing sulfur, for example, coal and fuel oil. The main sources of SO2 are power plants, industrial enterprises and transport. SO2 can cause respiratory tract irritation, aggravate asthma and contribute to the formation of acid rains.
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Ugric gas (CO): Curular gas is colorless and smell that does not have gas formed as a result of incomplete combustion of fuel. The main sources of CO are transport, stoves and fireplaces operating on solid fuel, and industrial processes. Co prevents the transportation of oxygen with blood, which can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea and even death.
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Flying organic compounds (VOC): Flying organic compounds are a wide class of organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. Voc sources are solvents, paints, varnishes, cleaning products, pesticides, transport and industrial processes. Some VOC, such as benzene and formaldehyde, are carcinogens.
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Heavy metals: Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury and cadmium, can fall into the air from industrial sources, such as metallurgical plants and waste burning. They can accumulate in the body and have a toxic effect on the nervous system, kidneys and other organs.
The effect of contaminated air on human health
Contaminated air has a negative effect on human health, affecting various body systems. The influence of contaminated air can be both short -term and long -term, and its consequences can vary depending on the concentration of pollutants, the duration of exposure, age, health and genetic predisposition.
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Respiratory system: The respiratory system is the most vulnerable to contaminated air. Inhalation of pollutants can cause respiratory tract irritation, cough, shortness of breath, shortness of breathing, increased asthma symptoms and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), as well as increase the risk of respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. The long -term effect of contaminated air can lead to chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD and lung cancer.
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Cardiovascular system: Contaminated air has a negative effect on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of developing heart disease, such as coronary heart disease, stroke and arrhythmia. Solid particles, in particular PM2.5, can penetrate the bloodstream and cause vascular inflammation, which leads to the formation of blood clots and damage to the heart muscle. Contaminated air can also increase blood pressure and cholesterol, which is risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases.
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Nervous system: Polluted air can have a negative effect on the nervous system, causing headaches, dizziness, fatigue, impaired cognitive functions and increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, can accumulate in the brain and have a toxic effect on the nerve cells.
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Immune system: Contaminated air can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. Air pollutants can damage the cells of the immune system, such as macrophages and lymphocytes, reducing their ability to fight pathogen.
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Reproductive system: Polluted air can have a negative effect on the reproductive system, causing infertility, miscarriages, premature birth and low weight at birth. Air pollutants can damage spermatozoa and eggs, as well as disrupt the development of the fetus.
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Cancer: Contaminated air is a carcinogens and increases the risk of various types of cancer, including lung cancer, bladder cancer and breast cancer. Solid particles, benzene, formaldehyde and other air pollutants can damage DNA and cause mutations leading to cancer.
Special groups of the population, most vulnerable to contaminated air
Some groups of the population are especially vulnerable to contaminated air, including:
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Children: Children are more vulnerable to contaminated air than adults, since their lungs are not yet fully developed, and they breathe more often than adults. Polluted air can violate the development of lungs in children, increasing the risk of asthma and other respiratory diseases.
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Elderly people: Elderly people are more vulnerable to polluted air, since their immune system is weakened, and they often suffer from chronic diseases such as heart disease and respiratory diseases. Polluted air can aggravate existing conditions and increase the risk of developing new diseases.
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People with chronic diseases: People with chronic diseases such as asthma, COPD, heart disease and diabetes are more vulnerable to contaminated air, since it can aggravate their condition and increase the risk of complications.
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Pregnant women: Pregnant women are more vulnerable to contaminated air, since it can have a negative effect on the development of the fetus, increasing the risk of premature birth, low weight at birth and innate defects.
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People living in areas with a high level of air pollution: People living in areas with a high level of air pollution are at a higher risk of developing diseases associated with air pollution.
Measures to improve air quality and protect health
Improving the quality of the air requires an integrated approach, including measures aimed at reducing the emissions of pollutants from various sources, as well as measures to protect public health from the effects of polluted air.
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Reducing pollutants emissions:
- Transport: Encouraging the use of public transport, bicycles and pedestrian traffic; introduction of more stringent standards of emissions for vehicles; Stimulating the use of electric vehicles and other low -level emissions.
- Industry: Introduction of cleaner production technologies; installation of filters and other means of controlling pollution at industrial enterprises; The transition to more pure fuel.
- Energy: The transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy sources, such as sunny, chicken and hydropower; Improving the energy efficiency of buildings and equipment.
- Agriculture: Reduction in the use of pesticides and fertilizers; The introduction of stable agriculture methods.
- Household heating: Transition from solid fuel to gas or electricity; The use of more effective furnaces and fireplaces.
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Air quality monitoring:
- Creation and maintenance of a network of air monitoring stations for measuring the concentration of pollutants in real time; Providing information about the quality of public air.
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Information of the population:
- Providing information about risks associated with air pollution, and about health protection measures; Distribution of information about the current quality of air and forecasts.
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Health Protection:
- Individual measures: Restriction of stay on the street on days with a high level of air pollution, especially for vulnerable population groups; use of respirators or masks to protect against solid particles; improving ventilation in the premises; Refusal of smoking.
- Health policy: Development and implementation of programs for the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with air pollution; Ensuring access to medical care for people affected by polluted air.
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International cooperation:
- Cooperation between countries to solve the problem of air pollution at a global level; exchange of information and technology; Development and implementation of international agreements to reduce pollutants emissions.
Improving the quality of air requires joint efforts of governments, enterprises, organizations and individual citizens. Taking measures to reduce pollutants emissions, monitoring air quality, informing the population and protecting health will help create a healthier and stable environment for everyone.