Health Effects of
Pollution
Air pollution is a significant problem globally that affects
human health and well-being, ecosystem health, crops, climate, visibility and
man-made materials. Even if you are healthy, you may feel symptoms temporarily
if exposed to high levels of pollutants. Several scientific studies connect
particle pollution exposure to a variety of health issues, which include:
- Respiratory system: Symptoms such as nose and throat irritation, followed by bronchoconstriction and dyspnea.
- Cardiovascular system: blood coagulation
- Nervous system: memory disturbances sleep disorders, anger, fatigue, hand tremors, blurred vision, and slurred speech.
- Urinary system: stone formation or nephrocalcinosis
- Digestive system: increase in levels of certain enzymes in the blood as well as gastrointestinal and liver cáncer (Mandal, 2005).
- Exposure during pregnancy: can affect the developing fetus.
Given the fundamental importance of ecosystems in climate
change impacts and the significant roles that environmental factors play in
human health, climate change and health research should also focus on the
complex interplay between risk, location, and environmental conditions.
People living in cities are exposed to a greater extent, as
a consequence of increased industrialization and demands for energy and motor
vehicles. Occupational exposure is also an important factor that should be
taken into consideration.
