Health Impacts

"Air pollution is a major cause of illness and premature death and poses the greatest risk to environmental health in Europe. Heart disease and stroke are the most common causes of premature death attributed to air pollution, followed by lung disease and lung cancer."

- IQAir

Particulate Matter

Exposure to PM can cause damage to both lungs and heart. Common issues associated with PM include:

• Premature death of individuals with lung or heart disease

• Heart attacks

• Irregular heartbeat

• Aggravated asthma

• Decreased lung function

• Irritation of airways, coughing, difficulty breathing

The most vulnerable populations are children, people with heart or lung disease, old adults, minority populations, and low economic status populations, due to higher sensitivity or exposure.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide can replace oxygen gas in blood cells. When too much CO is present in the air, blood cells stop being able to transport enough O2 to tissues and organs in the body, causing carbon monoxide poisoning. This can be fatal to animals and human beings.

Ozone

Bad ozone can cause issues to human health, with risk factors including asthma, children, old adults, and people who spend a lot of time outdoors. 

Sulfur dioxide

High concentrations of SO2 can cause irritation of the respiratory system, since it irritates the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Exposure to SO2 can negatively affect lung function, worsen asthma attacks, and worsen heart diesease.

Nitrogen dioxide

Nitrogen dioxide irritates airways in the human respiratory system. Long exposures to NO2 can cause development of asthma and increased chances of respiratory infections. Children, old adults, and people with pre-existing respiratory issues are at greater risk of suffering from the effects of NO2.