Air Quality and Pollution: Adverse Affects of Climate Change
Climate change is an issue that has been in the news for the past few decades, but its effects on air quality and pollution haven’t been as widely recognized. Air quality and pollution both have major consequences for our health, and the ways in which climate change exacerbates them are something that should be understood by everyone.
Air quality and pollution are now understood to be major contributors to mortality and morbidity, both through long-term exposure and acute events. The link between air pollution and both global warming and climate change has been studied with increasing rigor. Warmer air temperatures combined with elevated levels of pollutants, such as ozone and nitrous oxide, have an even more adverse effect on air quality and human health than the pollutants alone.
Elevated Temperatures and Air Pollution Impact Health
Heat increases the production of pollutants in the air, which can lead to a rise in the number of smog days, which in turn hurts the public’s health. In addition to the high temperatures that accompany climate change, increased levels of ozone and other air pollutants have been linked to a wide array of health impacts.
Air pollution can cause an array of conditions, from asthma and bronchitis, to lung cancer and cardiovascular problems, leading to an increase in the number of hospitalizations and death. Exposure to air pollution has been linked to everything from preterm births to diabetes and obesity, highlighting why reducing pollution should be a priority for everyone.
In addition to impacting our lungs, the particles in the air can also affect our skin, causing inflammation and damage to the delicate facial tissues. It can age our skin faster and lead to a higher vulnerability to skin cancer down the line. It is thought that up to 90% of our skin aging is due to the environment, so it pays to take protective measures, such as wearing face masks, to limit our exposure.
Effects of Rising Carbon Emissions
Climate Change is driven by the rising levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions, which trap heat in the atmosphere. When temperatures rise, the levels of ozone and other pollutants increase as well, causing more smog days and posing serious risks to our health.
The heat-trapping capacity of these Greenhouse gases also leads to warming temperatures, which increase the amount of ozone and other air pollutants in the atmosphere. Warmer air temperatures make air pollution more penetrating and hazardous. Ozone, in particular, is considered to be one of the most dangerous air pollutants as it can cause significant health problems, even at low levels.
An increase in ozone levels can also make existing conditions, such as asthma and respiratory allergies, worse. Particulate matter in the air can act as a major irritant and even cause inflammation of the airway in individuals with asthma. When the air is too hot and polluted, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to get a good night’s sleep; this can lead to daytime fatigue and poor performance, both at work and school.
Effects of Long-term Exposures to Air Pollution
The effects of long-term exposure to air pollution are especially pronounced as it can increase the risk of developing a wide range of diseases and conditions. People who are exposed to air pollution on a regular basis are more likely to develop cancer and heart, lung and even kidney diseases.
Exposure to air pollution has been linked to cognitive deficits, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as depression and anxiety. The damage to the human lung caused by particulate matter can lead to an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. That can potentially reduce a person’s life expectancy as well.
The Inequality Of Air Pollution Exposure
While air pollution affects people regardless of their background, it is important to recognize that it hits some communities harder than others. Poor areas tend to receive the greatest benefits when it comes to air quality, but unfortunately, suffer the most from the ill effects of pollution. This means that poor communities can be caught in a cycle of poverty and health issues caused by air pollution, and that addressing the root causes of the problem can have a huge impact on those affected.
The solution is not easy, but reducing air pollution can go a long way towards improving the health of those living in polluted areas. Governments play a role in this by enacting policies that reduce emissions, and citizens can help by doing their part to reduce their carbon footprint.
Air quality and pollution are two key areas of concern when it comes to climate change, and their effects can be wide-reaching and even life-threatening. Heat increases the production of pollutants in the air, which increases the number of smog days and poses serious risks to our health. Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to an array of respiratory, cardiovascular and cognitive disorders, while poor communities are disproportionally affected.
With air pollution being so closely linked to climate change, it is important to understand the risks posed by poor air quality and to actively work towards reducing emissions and taking steps to limit our carbon footprints. By improving air quality, we can improve the health of individuals, entire communities and even entire generations.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
