EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION ON HUMAN HEALTH

Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental evils. The air we breathe has not only life-supporting properties but also life-damaging properties. Under ideal conditions the air we inhale has a qualitative and quantitative balance that maintains the well-being of man. But when the balance among the air components is disturbed, or in other words, if it is polluted, it may affect human health.

            An average man breathes 22,000 times a day and takes in 16 kg of air each day. It far exceeds the consumption of food and water. It has been estimated, that a man can live for five weeks without food and five days without water, but only for five minutes without air.

            All the impurities in the inhaled air do not necessarily cause harm. Depending upon the chemical nature of the pollutants, some may be harmful when present in the air in small concentrations and others only if they are present in high concentrations. 

Health Effects

1)      Eye Irritation.

2)      Nose and throat irritation.

3)      Irritation of the respiratory tract.

4)      Gases like hydrogen sulphide, ammonia and mercaptans cause odour nuisance even at low concentrations.

5)      Increase in mortality rate and morbidity rate.

6)      A variety of particulates particularly pollens, initiate asthmatic attacks.

7)      Chronic pulmonary diseases like bronchitis and asthma, are aggravated by a high concentration of SO₂, NO₂, particulate matter and photo- chemical smog.

8)      Carbon monoxide combines with the haemoglobin in the blood and consequently increases stress on those suffering from cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.

9)      Hydrogen fluoride causes diseases of the bone (fluorosis), and mottling of teeth.

10)  Carcinogenic agents cause cancer.

11)  Dust particles cause respiratory diseases. Diseases like silicosis, asbestosis, etc., result from specific dusts.

12)  Certain heavy metals like lead may enter the body through the lungs and cause poisoning.