New data on the effect of air pollution on health

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Violation of the integrity of the system: how air pollution attacks human health

Air pollution, which has once been considered inevitable by the product of industrialization, is today a global health crisis that requires emergency measures. New studies tirelessly reveal the complex and multifaceted nature of its effect on the human body, going far beyond the framework of traditional respiratory diseases. From molecular changes in DNA to large -scale disorders of neurodegenerative processes, air pollution penetrates into the very essence of our biological well -being.

Small particles: invisible enemy in alveoli and beyond

The main culprit in this quiet epidemic is solid particles (PM), especially PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers). Their microscopic size allows them to penetrate deeply into the alveoli of the lungs, where gas exchange occurs. However, their destructive effect is not limited only by the respiratory system.

  • Inflammation and oxidative stress: Once in the alveoli, PM2.5 cause a powerful inflammatory reaction. The cells of the immune system, such as macrophages, are activated, trying to absorb and neutralize foreign particles. This process leads to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and factor of tumor-alpha necrosis (TNF-α). Chronic inflammation caused by a long effect of PM2.5 is the basis of many diseases, including cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic disorders. In addition, PM2.5 contribute to oxidative stress, an imbalance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant protection of the body. Free radicals damage cell structures such as DNA, lipids and proteins, aggravating inflammation and accelerating aging.
  • Penetration into the bloodstream and systemic effects: The most alarming feature of PM2.5 is their ability to penetrate through the alveolar-capillary barrier and fall directly into the bloodstream. Once in circulation, they are carried throughout the body, reaching vital organs, such as the heart, brain and kidneys. This leads to systemic effects, having a detrimental effect on various physiological processes. Studies have shown that PM2.5 can accumulate in the placenta of pregnant women, potentially harm to the developing fruit.
  • Impact on the cardiovascular system: PM2.5 have a direct toxic effect on the cardiovascular system. They contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, thickening and hardening of the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Inflammation caused by PM2.5 leads to dysfunction of the endothelium, the inner layer of blood vessels, which worsens the regulation of blood pressure and increases the likelihood of blood clots. In addition, PM2.5 can directly affect the electrical activity of the heart, causing arrhythmias and sudden heart death. Epidemiological studies steadily associate an increase in the level of PM2.5 in the air with an increase in the number of hospitalizations for cardiovascular diseases and mortality.
  • Respiratory diseases: from asthma to lung cancer: The effect of PM2.5 is a strong risk factor for the development and exacerbation of respiratory diseases. They irritate the respiratory tract, causing inflammation and narrowing of the bronchi, which leads to difficulty breathing and cough. In people suffering from asthma, PM2.5 can provoke attacks requiring emergency medical care. The prolonged effect of the PM2.5 increases the risk of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), a progressive disease of the lungs, characterized by restriction of the air flow. The most alarm is that PM2.5 is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as carcinogens of group 1, which means that they have a proven connection with lung cancer. Studies have shown that the effect of PM2.5 significantly increases the risk of lung cancer, especially in non -smokers.
  • Neurological effects: the connection between the lungs and the brain: New studies reveal an alarming relationship between air pollution and neurological diseases. PM2.5 can penetrate the brain through various paths, including the olfactory nerve and hematoencephalic barrier. Once in the brain, they cause inflammation, oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. Studies associate the effect of PM2.5 with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson and Stroke’s disease. In addition, air pollution can affect cognitive functions, such as memory, attention and executive functions. Studies on children have shown that the effect of air pollution can adversely affect the development of the brain and academic performance.

Other air pollutants and their insidious exposure

In addition to PM2.5, the air we breathe contains many other pollutants, each of which has its own unique toxic profile.

  • Nitrogen dioxide (No.2): inflammatory gas from exhaust gases: Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is irritable gas formed mainly when burning fossil fuel, especially in internal combustion engines. High concentrations of NO2 are usually found near roads with intensive traffic and industrial enterprises. No2 causes inflammation of the respiratory tract, increasing the risk of respiratory infections and exacerbating asthma. Studies also associate the effect of NO2 with cardiovascular diseases and premature mortality.
  • Ozone (O3): Kovar gas on sunny days: Unlike stratospheric ozone, which protects us from harmful ultraviolet radiation, the tropospheric ozone (O3) is an air contaminant formed as a result of chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight. High concentrations O3 are usually observed on hot sunny days. O3 is a powerful oxidizing agent that damages the respiratory tract and causes inflammation. The effect of O3 can cause a cough, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Long -term exposure to O3 is associated with an increased risk of development of asthma and COPD.
  • Sulfur dioxide (SO2): by -product of coal burning: Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is an irritable gas formed mainly when burning fossil fuel containing sulfur such as coal. The main sources of SO2 are power plants and industrial enterprises. SO2 causes inflammation of the respiratory tract and narrowing of the bronchi, which leads to difficulty breathing and cough. The effect of SO2 can be especially dangerous for people suffering from asthma and COPD. Historically high concentrations of SO2 led to fatal episodes of air pollution, such as the great in London in 1952.
  • Fitting gas (CO): Quiet killer: Curular gas (CO) is colorless and smell of gas formed with incomplete combustion of fossil fuel. The main sources of CO are cars, stoves and fireplaces. Co binds to hemoglobin in the blood, preventing the transfer of oxygen to tissues of the body. High concentrations CO can lead to poisoning, causing headache, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness and death. Even low Co concentrations can have a negative effect on health, especially in people with cardiovascular diseases.
  • Flying organic compounds (VOC): a wide range of chemicals: Flying organic compounds (VOC) are a wide range of chemicals that evaporate into the air at room temperature. They are released from various sources, including paints, solvents, cleaning products, building materials and automobile exhausts. Some VOC are known as carcinogens, such as benzene and formaldehyde. Voc exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headache, dizziness and nausea. Long -term exposure to VOC is associated with an increased risk of cancer and other diseases.
  • Heavy metals: toxic pollutants from industrial sources: Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic, are toxic air pollutants, formed mainly as a result of industrial processes, such as mining, metallurgy and waste burning. Heavy metals can accumulate in the body and have a detrimental effect on health, including damage to the nervous system, kidneys and liver. The impact of lead, especially in children, can lead to a decrease in intelligence and problems with behavior.

Vulnerable groups of the population: who is in the increased risk zone?

Not all people are equally susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution. Some groups of the population are especially vulnerable and are at risk of developing diseases associated with air pollution.

  • Children: The developing organism is exposed to: Children are especially vulnerable to air pollution, since their organs and systems are still developing. They have a higher respiratory rate than in adults, which leads to greater absorption of pollutants. In addition, their immune system is not yet fully developed, which makes them more susceptible to respiratory infections. The effect of air pollution can adversely affect the development of the lungs in children, increasing the risk of developing asthma and other respiratory diseases. Studies also show that air pollution can affect the development of the brain in children, leading to a decrease in intelligence and problems with behavior.
  • Older people: a weakened body with limited reserves: Older people are also at risk of air pollution, since their physiological reserves are reduced with age. They often have chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases that can aggravate air pollution. In addition, their immune system is weakened, which makes them more susceptible to infections. The effect of air pollution can lead to an exacerbation of chronic diseases, an increase in the number of hospitalizations and premature mortality in the elderly.
  • Pregnant women: risk for mother and child: Pregnant women are at risk of air pollution, since it can have a detrimental effect on both the mother and the developing fruit. Air pollution can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight and congenital defects. PM2.5 can accumulate in the placenta, violating the transfer of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. Studies also associate the effects of air pollution during pregnancy with an increased risk of asthma and other respiratory diseases in children.
  • People with chronic diseases: aggravation of existing problems: People with chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases and diabetes, are especially vulnerable to air pollution. Air pollution can aggravate these diseases, leading to exacerbations, an increase in the number of hospitalization and premature mortality. For example, in people with asthma, air pollution can provoke attacks that require emergency medical care. In people with cardiovascular diseases, air pollution can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
  • Socio-economic dysfunctional groups: disproportionate impact: Socio-economic dysfunctional groups of the population are often exposed to the high effect of air pollution. They often live near industrial enterprises, roads with intensive traffic and other sources of pollution. In addition, they may have limited access to medical care and healthy food, which makes them more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution.

Toxicity mechanisms: how air pollutants destroy cells

Understanding the mechanisms through which air pollutants have their toxic effects is crucial for the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies.

  • Inflammation: key factor of pathogenesis: As mentioned earlier, inflammation is a key factor in the pathogenesis of many diseases associated with air pollution. Air pollutants activate the cells of the immune system, such as macrophages, leading to the release of pro -inflammatory cytokines. Chronic inflammation damages tissues and organs, contributing to the development of various diseases.
  • Oxidative stress: imbalance damaging cells: Oxidative stress is another important mechanism for the toxicity of air pollution. Air pollutants can cause the formation of free radicals that damage cell structures, such as DNA, lipids and proteins. Oxidative stress can also disrupt the functioning of mitochondria, cellular power plants, leading to a decrease in energy production and an increase in apoptosis (programmed cell death).
  • DNA damage: mutations and cancer: Some air pollutants, such as PM2.5 and VOC, can directly damage DNA, causing mutations. Mutations can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer development.
  • Epigenetic changes: inheritance toxicity transmission: New studies show that air pollution can cause epigenetic changes that affect the expression of genes without changing the DNA sequence. These epigenetic changes can be inherited, which means that the effect of air pollution on one generation can affect the health of subsequent generations.
  • Mitochondria dysfunction: Violation of energy metabolism: Mitochondria play a decisive role in the production of energy in cells. Air pollutants can disrupt the function of mitochondria, leading to a decrease in energy production and an increase in oxidative stress. Mitochondria dysfunction is associated with various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.
  • Violation of the endocrine system: hormonal imbalance: Some air pollutants, such as dioxins and polychlored bifeniles (PHB), can disrupt the endocrine system, affecting the production and effect of hormones. Disruption of the endocrine system can lead to various health problems, including reproductive problems, developmental disorders and cancer.

Impact assessment: how to measure and evaluate risks

Assessment of the effects of air pollution on health requires an integrated approach that includes air quality monitoring, epidemiological studies and biomonitoring.

  • Air quality monitoring: pollution data collection: Air quality monitoring includes measuring the concentrations of various pollutants in the air using stationary and mobile monitoring stations. Monitoring data are used to assess the level of air pollution in different regions and to track time trends.
  • Epidemiological studies: Relations identification: Epidemiological studies are used to study the connection between the effects of air pollution and diseases. These studies can be either observant (for example, cohort studies and cases of case-control) or experimental (for example, interventional studies). Epidemiological studies provide important evidence about the effect of air pollution on human health.
  • Biomonitoring: measurement of pollutants in the body: Biomonitoring includes measuring the concentrations of pollutants in biological samples such as blood, urine and hair. Biomonitoring allows you to evaluate the individual effect of air pollution and identify people exposed to increased risk.
  • Risk assessment: quantitative impact assessment: Risk assessment is used to quantify the effects of air pollution on health. Risk assessment includes an assessment of the likelihood of developing diseases associated with air pollution, and an assessment of the number of cases of diseases and deaths associated with air pollution.

The consequences mitigation strategies: what can be done to protect health

The mitigation of the effects of air pollution on health requires an integrated approach that includes measures to reduce air pollution, measures to protect vulnerable groups of the population and measures to increase the public’s awareness.

  • Reducing air pollution: measures at the source level: The most effective way to protect health from air pollution is to reduce air pollution at the source level. This can be achieved through the introduction of cleaner technologies, the use of renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, reducing automobile traffic and improving waste management.
  • Protection of vulnerable groups of the population: Target measures: It is necessary to take special measures to protect vulnerable groups of the population from the effects of air pollution. These measures may include providing information about the quality of air, creating zones with clean air, providing access to medical care and providing subsidies for air protection, such as air filters and masks.
  • Improving public awareness: Information and Education: An increase in public awareness of the harmful effects of air pollution on health is crucial to stimulate actions to reduce air pollution and health protection. This can be achieved through information campaigns, educational programs and public participation in decision -making related to air quality.
  • Individual protection measures: what can everyone do: Everyone can take steps to protect their health from air pollution. These steps may include checking the prediction of the air quality before going outside, restricting physical activity in the open air during days with a high level of pollution, the use of air filters in the room, wearing a mask to protect against air pollution and maintaining a clean and effective heating system.
  • Politics and regulation: Creation of incentives for changes: Effective policy and regulation play a decisive role in reducing air pollution and health protection. This may include the establishment of air quality standards, regulating emissions of pollutants, providing stimuli to use pure technologies and ensuring compliance with air quality rules.

New areas of research: look into the future

Studies in the field of exposure to air pollution on health continue to develop, opening new toxicity mechanisms and identifying new groups of the population at risk.

  • The effect of air pollution on microbias: new research: New studies show that air pollution can affect microbias, a community of microorganisms living in our body. Changes in the microbioma can affect the immune system, metabolism and other physiological processes, which can contribute to the development of diseases associated with air pollution.
  • The effect of air pollution on mental health: growing concern: Concerning about the effect of air pollution on mental health is growing. Studies associate the effect of air pollution with an increased risk of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders.
  • Development of new biomarkers of the impact: more accurate assessment: Researchers are developing new biomarkers of the effects of air pollution, which will more accurately evaluate individual impact and identify people exposed to increased risk.
  • Personalized medicine and air pollution: adaptation to individual risks: In the future, personalized medicine can be used to adapt the prophylaxis and treatment strategies for individual risks associated with air pollution. This may include the use of genetic information, biomonitoring data and other factors for determining people at risk, and for the development of targeted interventions.

Air pollution is a serious threat to human health that requires emergency measures. Reducing air pollution at the level of sources, protecting vulnerable groups of the population, increasing public awareness and continuing research – all this is crucial for protecting health from the harmful effects of air pollution. By acting now, we can create a healthier and more stable future for everyone.

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