The air we breathe is contaminated with a high concentration of pollutants that have the potential to risk our life. It can cause harm not only to humans but animals, plants and other things that reside in our environment. In the following blog, we discuss what are the effects of air pollution on your lungs.
Acute effects of air pollution on your lungs:
Did you know the damaging effects of air pollution on your lungs solely depends on the type and the concentration of air pollutants? The concentrations of Air Pollutants are directly proportional to various factors such as region, weather and season. Here are some common pollutants which can cause you health issues directly related to your lungs.
Particulate Matter:
Breathing particle matter or PM 2.5 and 10 which are fine dust particles that can make their way into your lungs. They can cause irritation in your nose, throat, causing damage to your airways. Particulate matters are small size particles that can travel easily into the airways, damaging the lungs to a greater extent. Since these are particles that have a diameter less than 2.5µm, the effects they can have on the lungs is quite significant.
Nitrogen Dioxide:
It is a gas particle that is invisible to your naked eyes. NO2 can irritate the airway and trigger asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Sulfur dioxide:
Long exposure to SO2 can irritate the linings of the airways, especially to the people who are suffering from asthma and other respiratory issues.
Ozone:
Ozone can reduce the capacity of your lungs by constantly irritating the airway and causing you breathing issues.
Health effects of Air Pollution on your lungs:
It is found that people are usually exposed to high and constant concentrations of Air Pollutants may end up having acute symptoms that may include:
- Irritation in Airways
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Wheezing
Moreover, in addition to these symptoms if an individual who has issues breathing can end up getting asthmatic attacks. Recent research has brought to light the fact that Air Pollution can be linked to a higher incidence of lung diseases. Diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases and Cancer are just the major one.
Check the air quality of your location – anytime and anywhere, by downloading our app available on Google app store and Itunes app store.
