Air Pollution and Health
What is Air Pollution?
According to the WHO, “Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.”
Most often, the air pollution that we are the most concerned about comes from anthropogenic sources, such as industry emissions or vehicle emissions. Air pollution is a concern because not only does it impact the environment, but it also harms human and animal health.
Air Pollutants 101
Most policies that regulate air pollution are centered around the most common pollutants that are found in the air worldwide. Given the origins of these pollutants, vehicle emissions, industry emissions, and fossil fuel emissions, the same pollutants are usually regulated in countries all around the world.
The most common air pollutants are:
Particulate matter
Ozone
Nitrogen dioxide
Carbon monoxide
Sulfur dioxide
Of course, there are dozens of other air pollutants that are present in the air, however, these six are the most common.
The following table breaks down air pollutants by source and potential health impact.
*It is important to note that if an individual or community is exposed to air pollution, they are most likely experiencing mixtures of the following pollutants, and not one on its own.
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These are extremely small particles suspended in the air that can be inhaled.
Most Common Sources:
Vehicle emissions, wood burning, industry emissions
Potential Health Effects:
Short term - asthma, irritated eyes, sore throat
Long term - Respiratory and cardiovascular disease
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Ozone in the stratosphere protects us from UV radiation, but ground-level ozone contributes to the formation of smog.
Most Common Sources:
Vehicle emissions, industry emissions
Potential Health Effects:
Irritated eyes, sore throat, respiratory disease
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Nitrogen dioxide is highly reactive gas.
Most Common Sources:
Cooking or heating with gas, vehicle emissions, industry emissions, smoking
Potential Health Effects:
Asthma symptoms
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CO can reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches the heart, brain, and tissues.
Most Common Sources:
Vehicle emissions, industry emissions, bushfires, smoking, wood burning, smoking
Potential Health Effects:
Short term - headaches, dizziness, flu-like symptoms
Long term - fetuses at risk of long-term health effects
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A highly reactive gas that contributes to the formation of PM. It maturally occurs through volcanic eruptions and decomposition of organic matter.
Most Common Source:
Fossil fuel combustion
Potential Health Effects:
Short term - chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath
Long term - exacerbated cardiovascular disease,
exacerbated asthma attacks
Concerned about the air pollution in your area?
Use interactive maps like IQ Air to find your city and learn more about the quality of air that you are breathing in.
