Health Problems Caused by Air Pollution

There are various types of pollutants in the air that you breathe every day. Starting from carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOC), ozone (O3), to heavy metals.

All of these pollutants have chemical composition, reaction properties, emissions, disintegration time, and different speed to spread within a certain distance.

Here are the various adverse effects of air pollution on health:

1. Particulate matter (PM)

Particulate matter or PM is a collection of solid or liquid particles found in air. The main components of PM are sulfate, nitrate, ammonia, sodium chloride, carbon black, mineral dust, and water.

The presence of PM in the air is strongly associated with an increase in mortality and cases of disease over time. The smaller the size, these hazardous particles are more easily inhaled and absorbed into the lung tissue, until then flowing in the blood. Particles of 2.5 microns or less are most at risk of damaging health and causing various diseases.

Not only that. Exposure to indoor pollutants from smoke from burning wood stoves or traditional charcoal can increase the risk of acute respiratory infections, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, to the risk of premature death at a young age.

2. Ozone (O3)

Ozone in the soil is the main constituent of smoke haze formed by the reaction of sunlight with air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) from vehicle fumes, chemicals, and industrial waste. That is why the risk of air pollution due to ozone content in the soil will increase during the summer.

Excessive ozone in the air can weaken lung function. The result will cause respiratory problems, trigger symptoms of recurrence of asthma, and also cause lung disease.

At present in Europe, ozone at ground level is considered to be one of the most concerning air pollution particles. This is evidenced by several studies that mention the daily mortality rate rose by 0.3%, and heart disease by 0.4%, each ozone particle in the air increased by 10 micrograms per cubic meter, according to Science Daily.

3. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

Nitrogen dioxide is the main source of aerosol nitrate which forms small particles. Nitrogen dioxide levels in the air that exceeds 200 micrograms per cubic meter are considered as toxic gases that are harmful to the body.

Because the particles that cause air pollution can cause inflammation that affects the function of the respiratory tract. The main sources of nitrogen dioxide emissions usually come from combustion processes, such as heating, power plants, vehicle engines, and marine vessels.

A study shows that the symptoms of bronchitis in children who have asthma increase after long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide particles. Moreover, the function of the lungs will also be weakened when inhaling too much nitrogen dioxide particles in the air.

4. Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas with a sharp characteristic odor. The particles that cause air pollution are produced from burning fossil fuels.

The most important source of sulfur dioxide comes from burning fossil fuels such as coal and oil used for domestic heating, electricity generation, and motor vehicles. In addition, the smelting of ore containing sulfur also contributed to the particles of sulfur dioxide flying in the air.

Sulfur dioxide can damage and affect various functions of the system in the body. Starting from damage to the respiratory system, decreased lung function, to cause eye irritation.

Overexposure of these chemicals can also cause coughing, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and increase our risk of respiratory infections.

5. Carbon monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that causes air pollution. This gas is indeed colorless, odorless, even does not irritate the skin and eyes. However, inhaling carbon monoxide in large quantities is very dangerous so it is bad risk for body health.

Combustion of gas, oil, petrol, and solid fuels or wood, are some of the sources of carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide is said to be a dangerous gas because it prevents oxygen from binding to hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Instead, it is carbon monoxid which will bind directly to hemoglobin. As a result, oxygen supply to the heart will decrease, resulting in the body's lack of oxygen.

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