AMSA Medical Magazine “AMM” | Open Access |
Received: 06 February 2021 | Published: 3 March 2021
Air Pollution: An overview
Author(s):
Shoaib Naeemi(a)
a.
Lecturer, Medical Faculty, Cheraq University
Abstract
Air
pollution accounts for many complex ecological, social, economical,
agricultural and health problems globally. As industrialization evolves, the
issues related with air pollution increase proportionally. Major health
problems such as respiratory disorders, neurological problems and learning
disabilities could be a few examples of this global problem. Although,
countries around the world are trying to settle this problem, many countries
specially developing countries such as Afghanistan and India still suffer
severely from this phenomenon. Increasing global awareness by conducting
seminars, restricting policies of using heating devices and automobiles and
increasing the rate of plantation and decreasing forest ceasing would make this
chaotic situation far better than now.
Keywords: Air pollution,
public health, environment, policy
Introduction
Industrial
revolution in the mid-18th century introduced new machinery system with special
features. Compensating fuel as the main source of energy increased the working
capacity eventually leading to increased product rate and lowering mankind
effort. However, this revolution had many negative consequences such as
dramatic decrease in workforce, lower employment rate and producing toxic
chemical during the working times of the machines.
A major
point of concern about modern society is the ecological side effects implicated
by it. Air pollution is absolutely no exception from this phenomenon. Taking it
transliterally, Air is referred to gaseous substances surrounding the earth
while the word Pollution is referred as introduction of harmful and exogenic material into an environment. Air pollution is
defined as an abnormal condition in which there is the presence of special
substances called pollutants in high quantities leading to health related and
non-health related complications (Manisalidis et al,
2020).
From
public health perspective, air pollution is one of the major concerns and an
absolute obstacle to overcome. By paying more attention to this phenomenon, a
wide array of researches have been conducted by governmental and
non-governmental organizations worldwide. These researches lead to conclusion
that air pollution could have a major role in decreasing life expectancy rate
in different countries and increases mortality rates. As the first line in-risk
organs, lungs and respiratory tract organs are in more danger than other major
organs. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD), bronchiolitis,
bronchospasms, mucous secretion and increased risk of lung cancer are
projecting the researches results. Countries with bad air quality (e.g. India,
China) showed a high rate of respiratory tract disorders due to presence of air
pollution than any other countries (Kloog I et al,
2013).
Beside
health-related consequences, air pollution affected ecology in a dangerous
manner as the world temperature showed significant rise compared to the last
century. Icebergs melting, disruption of ozone layer, accumulation of Carbon
monoxide and many other factors included in this phenomenon lead to a series of
agricultural and water pollution which again affect mankind health indirectly (Zuhara & Isaifan, 2018).
Sources
According
to World Health Organization (WHO), air pollutants could be classified into the
following six types:
1.
Particulate Matter (PM): Particulate
matters are the result of chemical reaction between chemical pollutant with
different sizes. PMs with a diameter of 10 micrometer or smaller is called PM10
while fine particles with even smaller diameter (about 2.5 micrometer) is
called PM2.5. The PMs penetrability is dependent on its’ size; PM2.5 is more
hazardous than the previous one due to its’ small size. Their long half-life
makes them even more complex problem specially if the case is for fine
particles where they can penetrate and stabilize in deepest parts of an organ.
2.
Ground Level Ozone (GLO): Is mainly
generated via chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen and volatile
compounds. Due to its’ low solubility in water, ozone has the ability to
penetrate deeply into the lungs. GLO has been associated with depletion of
Vitamin C and E from skin and enhancing the formation and production of
malondialdehyde.
3.
Carbon Monoxide (CO): Is generated
through incomplete combustion of fossil fuel and leads to severe toxicity due
to its’ high binding affinity to hemoglobin. One of the major reasons for
climate change is actually CO generated from greenhouses.
4.
Nitrogen Oxide (NO): Is
traffic-related pollutant and generated from automobiles. Coughing, wheezing,
dyspnea, pulmonary edema, nose irritation and reduced plants growth have been
associated with increased levels of NO.
5.
Sulfur dioxide (SO2): Is sensory
irritant resulted from fossil fuel consumption or industrial activities.
Respiratory irritation, bronchospasm, bronchoconstriction, mucus production and
bronchitis have been related with SO2.
6.
Lead: Is a heavy metal generated from
petrol motor engines, batteries, radiators, inclinators and waste waters. Lead
is eventually accumulated in blood, soft tissues, liver, lung, bones and
reproductive system and its’ severely teratogenic (WHO, 2019).
The
aforementioned air pollutants could be generated from four sources including
major sources (power stations, petrochemicals and industrials), indoor area
sources (dry cleanings, printing shops, public showers), mobile sources
(automobiles, cars and railways) and natural sources (forest fires, volcanic
erosions) (Manisalidis et al, 2020).
Recommendations
There are
plenty of approaches to tackle the ongoing situation with an effective outcome.
For developing countries implanting an idea of using sustainable energy
resources could be the major cornerstone. Preparing seminars and campaigns to
make people familiar with the concept of air pollution and its’ negative
consequences could direct the situation in a fine manner. Allocating budgets
for researches about air pollution will have even more positive impact as these
researches would make the pollutants crystal clear to control.
Conclusion
During the
era of improved technology and high dependency to machineries, mankind is
suffering from air pollutants which changed the climate and affected the human
health in a very dramatic manner. Different air pollutants have been reported
by WHO and the rate of occurrence may differ based on different regions
depending on social and economical situations. To
tackle these disastrous situation countries around the world should stand
together, provide an opportunity for researchers and innovative talents and
allocate more resources on sustainable energy.
References
1.
(WHO), W.
H. (2019, October 5). Air Pollution. Retrieved from WHO: http://www.who.int/airpollution/en/
2.
Kloog I,
Ridgway B, Koutrakis P, Coull
BA, Schwartz JD. (2013). Long- and short-term exposure to PM2.5 and mortality
using novel exposure models. Epidemiology, 555-61.
3.
Manisalidis, I., Stavropoulou, E., Stavropoulos, A., & Bezirtzoglou, E. (2020). Environmental and Health Impacts
of Air Pollution: A Review. Fronties in Public health(8). doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.00014
4.
Zuhara S, Isaifan R. (2018). The impact of criteria air pollutants on
soil and water. The Review, 278-284. doi:10.30799/jespr.133.18040205