12 Impact of Air Pollution on Health

The impact of air pollution on health cannot be underestimated. There are various short-term and long-term health problems that occur due to inhaling harmful substances in air pollution, ranging from respiratory problems, cancer, to death.

Indonesia is one of the countries with the most severe levels of air pollution in the world. The level of air pollution in Jakarta as the largest city in Indonesia is even 6 times higher than the normal limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Suffering from health problems is a definite consequence of air pollution. WHO even estimates that the life expectancy of Indonesian people can decrease by 5.5 years due to inhaling air pollution every day

Apart from motor vehicle exhaust, sources of air pollution in Indonesia come from industrial waste, coal burning emissions, and forest fires.

The Impact of Air Pollution on Health

Air pollution is divided into 2 categories, namely outdoor air pollution and indoor air pollution. Outdoor pollution includes burning fossil fuels (vehicle and factory fumes), harmful gases (sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide), and cigarette smoke.

Meanwhile, indoor air pollution comes from gases (carbon monoxide or radon), household chemicals or products, cigarette smoke, building materials (asbestos, lead, or formaldehyde), indoor allergens, and mold.

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In some cases, outdoor air pollution can enter the house through ventilation systems, such as windows, doors and other open air circulation holes.

Air pollution both indoors and outdoors has a negative impact on health. The following are some of the impacts of air pollution on health:

1. Red eyes and irritated nose

Red eyes and irritated nose can be the first symptoms of exposure to air pollution, both large and small particles. Apart from outdoor air pollution, this condition can also be a result of indoor air pollution

Examples of indoor pollution are gases and compounds that evaporate from freshly painted walls. These substances can irritate the eyes and nose. In addition, indoor air pollution can also be created when cleaning the house using strong-smelling cleaners

2. Asthma

In the short term, air pollution can make a person experience coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. In the long term, these complaints can develop into asthma.

The two main pollutants most at risk of causing asthma are ozone and small particles, such as dust, which get stuck in the airways.

3. Bronchitis

The burning of fossil fuels can produce acid particles that easily settle and irritate the upper respiratory tract. These particles, which consist of sulfur oxide and nitrogen dioxide, are the triggers for bronchitis

Bronchitis is irritation or inflammation in the walls of the bronchial tubes, which are the pipes that carry air from the throat to the lungs. The impact of this air pollution causes a person to experience a cough which is sometimes accompanied by phlegm or mucus

4. Pneumonia

Bronchitis that gets worse and is not treated has the risk of causing pneumonia. This condition occurs when the infection spreads to the lungs, causing the air sacs in the lungs to become inflamed and filled with fluid.

Apart from worsening bronchitis, pneumonia can also occur when a person is continuously exposed to substances in air pollution, especially nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.

5. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) occurs when the airways and lungs become inflamed for a long time. Chronic bronchitis is a condition that can be the start of COPD

In COPD sufferers, airflow in the lungs becomes more limited. As a result, he will feel short of breath when he breathes

Studies show that these effects of air pollution are more common in people who live in areas with high levels of air pollution. COPD is even the number 3 deadliest disease in the world based on WHO data for 2019.

6. Lung cancer

Over time, worsening COPD risks causing lung cancer. However, lung cancer can also occur if you are exposed to air pollution in the long term even if you don't have COPD at first Particles from air pollution that enter and settle in the lungs can trigger uncontrolled cell growth. This is the forerunner of lung cancer

7. Cardiovascular disease

Research reveals that long-term exposure to particulate pollution and nitrogen oxides contributes to the buildup of calcium in the coronary arteries.

This buildup can cause blockages in blood flow and trigger various cardiovascular diseases, such as irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes.

8. Autoimmune disease

Other studies suggest that long-term exposure to pollution can trigger autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Exposure to pollution causes the immune system to be disrupted and instead attacks healthy parts of the body. In fact, the immune system should be a stronghold for the body in fighting disease and foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses.

9. Pregnancy and fetal disorders

In pregnant women, air pollution can cause developmental disorders in the lungs and kidneys of the fetus, premature birth, babies born with low birth weight, and miscarriage.

A study also states that pregnant women who are exposed to high levels of solid pollution particles during the third trimester of pregnancy are twice as likely to give birth to children with autism.

However, it is important to know that exposure to the same amount of pollution in early pregnancy does not increase the risk of developing autism in children.

10. Intellectual disorder

Air pollution can also have an impact on intelligence, especially in children. The impact of this air pollution occurs when exposed to lead

Children who are exposed to lead can experience a decrease in their IQ scores (intelligence level) and cognitive abilities, which can affect a child's performance at school.

Besides that, children are also prone to experiencing behavioral disorders, delayed puberty, and decreased hearing function.

11. Dementia

Dementia or senile dementia is a disease that causes a decrease in memory and thinking. Air pollution can be a factor that increases the risk of developing dementia.

The impact of air pollution comes from exposure to solid particles, nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxides. All of these components will cause changes in the structure of the brain, and lead to dementia

12. Early death

Breathing polluted air, even for a short time, can shorten life span. According to WHO data for 2019, more than 4 million people worldwide died from premature deaths due to air pollution.

This early death is caused by exposure to solid particles and gases which cause respiratory, cardiovascular, and cancer disorders.

The impacts of air pollution above are largely interrelated because a minor complaint can be the start of a larger impact. Given the effect on health, try to avoid or at least reduce direct exposure to air pollution as much as possible

You can do this by limiting outdoor activities when the air quality is poor. To be sure, you should check the air quality index regularly. If it is not possible to postpone outdoor activities, use a mask to minimize the effects of air pollution.

You can also contribute to reducing air pollution by traveling using public transportation or bicycles, walking to travel short distances, replacing gas stoves with electric stoves, and not smoking.

If you live in a place with high levels of air pollution and often experience respiratory complaints, such as coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest pain, you should consult a doctor to get appropriate treatment.

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