Why does air pollution cause health problems?

Air pollution can cause a variety of health problems because it contains harmful substances such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

• Respiratory Problems: Inhalation of these pollutants can irritate the respiratory system, leading to respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and aggravated symptoms of chronic respiratory conditions.

• Cardiovascular Issues: Air pollution is also linked to cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension.

• Cancer: Some air pollutants, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are known to cause cancer.

• Neurological Effects: Long-term exposure to air pollution has been associated with cognitive decline, especially in older adults.

• Reproductive Issues: Exposure to certain air pollutants has been linked to reproductive and developmental problems.

• Premature Death: Long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution can shorten life expectancy.

Overall, air pollution can affect almost all organ systems in the human body, leading to a wide range of health problems and reducing the overall quality of life.