Immediate Health Effects
Air pollution can cause immediate health effects that appear after just a single exposure or several exposures:
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Headaches and dizziness
- Coughing and chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Aggravation of asthma
- Reduced lung function
Long-Term Health Effects
Chronic exposure to air pollution can lead to serious health conditions:
Respiratory System
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Emphysema
- Chronic bronchitis
- Decreased lung growth in children
- Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections
Cardiovascular System
- Heart disease
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heart rhythms
Other Health Effects
- Lung cancer
- Premature death
- Adverse birth outcomes
- Cognitive decline
- Diabetes
Who Is Most at Risk?
Certain populations are more vulnerable to air pollution:
- Children: Their lungs are still developing
- Older adults: May have undiagnosed heart or lung disease
- People with asthma or COPD: Pollution triggers symptoms
- People with heart disease: Higher risk of heart attacks
- Pregnant women: Risk to fetal development
- People who work outdoors: Higher exposure levels
Scientific Evidence
The link between air pollution and health effects is supported by decades of research:
- Studies show a 10 μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 increases mortality risk by 6-13%
- Short-term exposure to high ozone levels causes breathing problems in healthy people
- Long-term exposure to traffic pollution increases heart disease risk by 20%