HOW AIR POLLUTION AFFECTS YOUR LUNGS & HEALTH
Data has shown that a majority of the global population breath in air that is beyond the WHO guideline limits. Air pollution isn’t just about exhaust smokes in big cities, it’s a silent threat that affects our lungs and overall health every day.
What Is
Air Pollution?
Air pollution refers to contamination of our indoor and
outdoor atmospheric environment by harmful particles and gases filling the air
we breathe. These pollutants come from:
- Man-made
activities: Vehicle emissions, factories, and power plants.
- Natural
Sources: Wildfires, dust storms, and volcanic activity.
Even though they are not always visible, these pollutants are
in the air and they can harm your body.
How Air
Pollution Affects Your Lungs
When you breathe in polluted air, tiny particles enter your
lungs and can cause problems both immediately and later on.
- Short-term
effects include:
- Coughing
and throat irritation.
- Breathing
difficulties, especially if you have asthma.
- Long-term
effects can include:
- Chronic
conditions like asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
- An increased risk of lung cancer due to constant exposure to harmful chemicals.
Beyond the
Lungs: Overall Health Impacts
The effect of air pollution isn’t limited to just the lungs. It
can also:
- Affect
Your Heart: contributing to heart disease and even strokes.
- Weaken
Your Immune System: Making you more susceptible to infections and other
illnesses.
- Hurt
the Brain: with Some studies suggesting pollution may be linked to
cognitive decline.
How to
Protect Yourself
While we need broader efforts to clean our air, here are some
practical steps you can take:
- Reduce
Exposure:
- Stay indoors on days when air
quality is poor.
- Use air purifiers at home.
- Wear
a Mask:
Especially when you're outdoors during high pollution periods. - Live
Healthy:
· Eat a diet rich in fruits and
vegetables to help fight inflammation.
· Exercise indoors on high-pollution
days.
In Conclusion
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