The Impact of Air Pollution on Respiratory Health
The Impact of Air Pollution on Respiratory Health
A heart attack occurs when the arteries that supply your heart with blood and oxygen become blocked, often due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. This blockage can cause significant damage to the heart muscle, sometimes permanently within just 20 minutes. Recognizing the signs of a heart attack can be crucial in saving your life.
How Air Pollution Affects Health
Air pollution exposure is linked to oxidative stress and inflammation in human cells, which can set the stage for chronic diseases and even cancer. In fact, in 2013, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO) classified air pollution as a human carcinogen.
Short-Term Effects
- Reduced Lung Function: High levels of outdoor air pollution can impair lung function.
- Asthma: Exposure can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms.
- Cardiac Problems: There’s a heightened risk of heart-related issues.
- Emergency Visits and Hospital Admissions: Poor air quality often leads to more visits to the emergency department and hospitalizations.
Long-Term Risks
- Mortality Rates: Long-term exposure to pollutants, especially PM2.5 (fine particulate matter), is associated with an increased risk of death.
- Chronic Diseases: High pollution levels are linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and disorders of the reproductive, neurological, and immune systems.
How Men and Women Experience Heart Attacks Differently
While chest pain is common for both men and women, women may experience it differently:
- Less Intense Chest Pain: Women may not always feel intense chest pain and might even have no chest pain at all.
- Other Symptoms: Women are more likely to experience symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, heartburn, and nausea.
- Resting or Sleep Symptoms: Women may have heart attacks while resting or asleep and are more likely to be triggered by emotional stress rather than physical exertion.
Staying Informed and Protected
Research on the health effects of air pollution is ongoing and continually evolving. It’s crucial to stay informed about the air quality in your area and take steps to minimize your exposure. Simple actions, such as reducing outdoor activities during high pollution days and using air purifiers at home, can help protect your health.
New Marketlink is dedicated to raising awareness about the impacts of air pollution and encouraging practices that safeguard your respiratory health.