Introduction
In recent decades, air pollution has become one of the most important public health concerns worldwide. It not only reduces people’s quality of life, but also exacerbates many chronic diseases, especially respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), millions of people suffer from respiratory diseases or even premature death every year due to long-term exposure to air pollutants.
What is air pollution and what are its sources?
Air pollution is the presence of harmful compounds in the air we breathe that are harmful to human health and the environment. The most important sources of air pollution are:
- Motor vehicles (especially diesel cars)
- Heavy industries and factories
- Burning fossil fuels
- Agriculture and the use of chemical pesticides
- Forest fires
- Natural dust and sandstorms
Harmful compounds in polluted air
- Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10): Very small particles that penetrate deep into the lungs.
- Ground-level ozone (O₃): A toxic gas created by chemical reactions of sunlight with pollutants.
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂): Mainly comes from vehicle exhaust and fuel combustion.
- Sulfur dioxide (SO₂): A product of coal and oil combustion.
- Carbon monoxide (CO): A colorless, odorless gas that disrupts the body’s oxygen supply.
Asthma and air pollution
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and a feeling of tightness in the chest.
How does air pollution aggravate asthma?
- Irritation of respiratory tract mucosa and increased inflammation
- The respiratory system becomes more sensitive to allergens.
- Increased frequency of asthma attacks in children and adults
- Reduced response to inhaled medications in polluted environments
Studies have shown that on days with severe air pollution, visits to medical centers by asthma patients increase by up to two times.
COPD and air pollution
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic, progressive disease characterized by airway obstruction and decreased breathing capacity. The most common symptoms include chronic cough, phlegm, and shortness of breath.
The impact of air pollution on COPD patients
- Worsening of symptoms and occurrence of acute attacks
- Increased hospitalization rates
- Decreased lung function and oxygenation
- Increased risk of premature death
Epidemiological studies have shown a strong association between air pollution levels and COPD mortality rates, especially in densely populated and industrialized cities.
Children, the elderly and high-risk groups
Air pollution causes the most harm to the following groups:
- Children: due to incomplete lung development and weaker immune systems
- Elderly: Due to underlying diseases and poorer respiratory function
- Heart and diabetic patients: who are at increased risk from reduced oxygen
- Pregnant women: who may face problems such as premature birth or low birth weight
Individual solutions to reduce the damage of air pollution
- Avoid traveling during peak pollution hours (usually early morning and evenings)
- Using N95 masks on polluted days
- Using an air purifier at home or work
- Closing windows and doors during pollution alert conditions
- Track the Air Quality Index (AQI) from trusted sources
Governmental macro-measures and responsibilities
- Control of industrial and automotive pollutants
- Developing clean public transportation
- Increasing urban green space
- Stricter regulations for pollutants
- Public awareness and environmental health education
The role of pharmaceutical and healthcare companies
Pharmaceutical companies are on the front lines of combating the effects of air pollution on respiratory health:
- Developing effective inhaled medications for asthma and COPD
- Supporting environmental-medical research
- Informing and educating patients about disease control in infectious conditions
Conclusion:
Air pollution is one of the most important environmental factors affecting human respiratory health. People with asthma and COPD, especially in metropolitan areas, are most affected by this crisis. Attention to prevention, personal care, and implementation of macro-environmental policies are the most necessary measures to reduce the destructive effects of air pollution on public health.
