EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION ON HUMAN HEALTH

How does air pollution affect humans? Air pollution damages multiple organs and functions of the human body. Discover it in this infographic








Air quality significantly affects the lives of people. Living in a pollution-free environment signifies a better quality of life, but do we really know how air pollution affects us and which parts of our bodies are damaged by each kind of polluting particle? Air pollution causes around seven million deaths a year worldwide. Growth and concentration of the population in cities, as well as the way in which we consume energy in urban areas through transport or heating and air conditioning systems, among others, result in the emission of huge quantities of gases that are harmful to our health.

Main causes of air pollution


 Emissions from different transport modes, the burning of fossil fuels, industrial production, forest fires, aerosol use and radiation fare some of the main causes of air pollution.

Such sources of emissions liberate gases and substances that are toxic for human beings, the most harmful of which are: tropospheric ozone (O3), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and suspended particulate matter (PM).  



 How does air pollution affect our health?


 Our physical and psychological wellbeing is affected differently by the kind of air pollution we are exposed to. There are many organs and bodily functions that can be harmed, the consequences including: 

Respiratory diseases 

Cardiovascular damage

 Fatigue, headaches and anxiety

 Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat 

Damage to reproductive organs

Harm to the liver, spleen and blood

Nervous system damage
.

Urban populations are more exposed to suffer the effects of air pollution and, in this context, people who are already ill are particularly vulnerable, as are children and the elderly.