Pollution, includes air, water, and pollution from land and other chemicals, and toxic occupation exposures, is the leading cause of premature death globally with more than 90% of pollution related deaths, occurring in low and middle income countries.
Air pollution: Includes particulate matter, greenhouse gases, and toxic fumes
Water pollution: Contamination of water bodies by chemicals, microorganisms, or waste
Soil pollution: Contamination of land due to human activities
Noise pollution: Excessive or unwanted sound that can disrupt the environment
Light pollution: Excessive or misdirected artificial light
Plastic pollution: Accumulation of plastic waste in the environment
Health impacts of pollution:
Respiratory issues: Asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer Cardiovascular problems: Heart disease, stroke Neurological effects: Cognitive decline, headaches Reproductive issues: Infertility, birth defects Gastrointestinal problems: Stomach ulcers, diarrhea Skin conditions: Rashes, allergies Mental health: Stress, anxiety, depression
Air quality: Many cities exceed WHO guidelines for particulate matter
Water quality: About 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water
Soil contamination: is a significant issue in many industrial areas
Plastic pollution: Estimated 8 million tons enter oceans annually
Climate change: CO2 levels continue to rise, causing global temperature increases
Air pollution has wide-ranging health effects, impacting multiple organ systems.
Air pollution is a major environmental risk factor, contributing to 4.2 million deaths globally due to outdoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and an additional 3.8 million deaths from indoor air pollution.
The respiratory and cardiovascular systems are particularly vulnerable to pollution.
Exposure to pollutants such as PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3) has been linked to increased incidence and exacerbation of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction and stroke.
Even low levels of particulate matter can increase daily cardiorespiratory mortality and morbidity.
Air pollution has been associated with adverse neurological outcomes, including cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia.
Children are particularly susceptible to pollution, with evidence showing that air pollution can impair lung development, leading to long-term respiratory issues.
Furthermore, prenatal exposure to pollutants is linked to low birth weight and developmental disorders.
The inflammatory response is a key mechanism through which air pollution exerts its harmful effects, contributing to systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which can exacerbate chronic diseases.