Environmental and Health Impacts of Air Pollution: A Review

Abstract

One of our era's greatest scourges is air pollution, on account not only of its impact on climate change but also its impact on public and individual health due to increasing morbidity and mortality. There are many pollutants that are major factors in disease in humans. Among them, Particulate Matter (PM), particles of variable but very small diameter, penetrate the respiratory system via inhalation, causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, reproductive and central nervous system dysfunctions, and cancer. Despite the fact that ozone in the stratosphere plays a protective role against ultraviolet irradiation, it is harmful when in high concentration at ground level, also affecting the respiratory and cardiovascular system. Furthermore, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), dioxins, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are all considered air pollutants that are harmful to humans. Carbon monoxide can even provoke direct poisoning when breathed in at high levels. Heavy metals such as lead, when absorbed into the human body, can lead to direct poisoning or chronic intoxication, depending on exposure. Diseases occurring from the aforementioned substances include principally respiratory problems such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, bronchiolitis, and also lung cancer, cardiovascular events, central nervous system dysfunctions, and cutaneous diseases. Last but not least, climate change resulting from environmental pollution affects the geographical distribution of many infectious diseases, as do natural disasters. The only way to tackle this problem is through public awareness coupled with a multidisciplinary approach by scientific experts; national and international organizations must address the emergence of this threat and propose sustainable solutions.

Long-Term Stability of MFM-300(Al) toward Toxic Air Pollutants

“…, SO 2 , NO 2 , and NH 3 ) into the atmosphere through anthropogenic activity is known to cause many health and environmental problems. 1 The capture and storage of these species are therefore of vital importance but remain a significant challenge in the development of clean air. Captured toxic gases may be of commercial value if they can be recovered via efficient storage, transportation, and release for subsequent use.…”

Colorimetric Paper-Based Device for Hazardous Compounds Detection in Air and Water: A Proof of Concept

“…In recent years, the environmental pollution has been at the center of many debates, due to the progressive and intense industrialization; the scientific community has thus focused its attention on the potentially toxic effects of certain substances on the living organisms [ 50 ]. Several people are exposed to different kinds of substances owing to the contamination of several environments in particular water, atmosphere and soil [ 51 ].…”

Environmental Health Surveillance System for a Population Using Advanced Exposure Assessment

“…As indoor air quality varies from time to time due to changes in building conditions, human activity, and weather conditions, short-term sampling cannot account for all types of variation. This highlights the need for long-term monitoring, which may be resolved by sensor-based monitoring instruments [89].…”