Serious Effects of Pollution on Health

All scientists are now confident that air pollution remains one of the main environmental problems in cities and that current levels of pollution are still affecting the health of urban populations.
Traffic is primarily responsible for the air pollution, caused by nitrogen oxides and suspended solid particles generated by combustion engines and other mechanical aspects of wear.
About 50% of emissions of nitrogen oxides in these urban areas are produced by cars. According to studies in several cities, traffic is also responsible for 50% of average annual levels of particulate matter.
But how does all this affect our health?
Many studies have been conducted on the effects of air pollution on our health and some scientists have reported that:
1. People living near areas with higher traffic have more respiratory symptoms, infarction and reduced life expectancy. In fact, the co-director of the Center of Environmental Epidemiology stated that “in situations of high exposure it was observed that deaths have increased by 11%”.
2. The frequency of children who have symptoms of bronchitis is higher among those living near busy urban roads compared to those living in low-traffic areas, as has been demonstrated in several European cities.
3. Among women who are pregnant living in higher traffic areas have more babies weighing less than expected.
4. Children who grow up in areas with higher traffic intensity show a slowing in the growth of lung capacity compared with children living in less polluted areas.
And if this were not enough …
There are a number of epidemiological studies showing that exposure to air pollution in the short term are associated with increased acute respiratory symptoms. These can range from irritation to death.
Children, are a particularly vulnerable segment of the population…..
The fetus and young child have a special vulnerability to environmental toxins compared with the adult, due to differences in exposure, physiologic immaturity and living longer after exposure.
Conclusion…..
Traffic is a major source of air pollution. Millions of people who are commuters, ride bikes or walk are directly exposed to these emissions. The population is also affected by secondary pollutants formed from traffic emissions. In addition, this adversely affects the health of children and adults.
The most significant effects are short-term irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, respiratory infections, and asthma attacks. The important effects on long-term health include a slower lung development in children, chronic respiratory diseases, lung cancer, heart disease and even potential damage to the brain and other organs.
The whole population is exposed to the pollution but not all the same way. Some are more sensitive than others. Young children and the elderly suffer most from the effects of air pollution as well as people with health problems.
Many examples have shown that sustained improvements in air quality lead to big health benefits. Given the dominant role of vehicles as a source of air pollution, the use of cleaner cars, motorcycles, trucks and buses will be of great benefit to public health.
Jack Clarke has been an author and content publisher for the past 15 years. He currently runs several review sites including Infant Car Seat Covers among many others.

Web publisher and author for the past 15+ years.