Can air pollution make you feel sick?

Answer 1

We measure air pollution by monitoring levels of Pm10. pm10 refers to air borne particles less than ten microns in diameter which are easily in haled into the lungs. They are tiny-too small for the human eye to see........

Answer 2

The major components of air pollution in developed countries are nitrogen dioxide (from combustion of fossil fuels), ozone (from the effect of sunlight on nitrogen dioxide and hydrocarbons), and suspended solid or liquid particles. Indoors, passive smoking is an additional source, as is burning of biomass fuel in developing countries (eg, for cooking, heating).

High levels of air pollution can adversely affect lung function and trigger Asthma and COPD exacerbations. People living in areas with high traffic, especially when stagnant air is created by thermal inversions, are at particular risk. All of the so-called criteria air pollutants (oxides of nitrogen, oxides of sulfur, ozone, carbon monoxide, lead, particulates) cause airway hyperreactivity except carbon monoxide and lead. Long-term exposure may increase respiratory infections and symptoms in the general population, especially children.

Ozone, which is the major component of smog, is a strong respiratory irritant and oxidant. Ozone levels tend to be highest in the summer and in the late morning and early afternoon. Short-term exposures can produce dyspnea, chest pain, and airways reactivity. Children who regularly participate in outdoor sports during days on which ozone pollution is high are more likely to develop asthma. Long-term exposure to ozone produces a small, permanent decrease in lung function.

Oxides of sulfur, resulting from combustion of fossil fuels that are high in sulfur content, can create acid aerosols with high solubility, which are likely to be deposited in the upper airways. Sulfur oxides can induce airway inflammation, possibly increasing the risk for chronic bronchitis as well as inducing bronchoconstriction.

Particulate air pollution is a complex mixture, derived from fossil fuel combustion (especially diesel). The particles can have both local and systemic inflammatory effects, suggesting an explanation for their impact on both pulmonary and cardiovascular health. So-called PM2.5 (particulate matter < 2.5 μm diameter) produce a greater inflammatory response per mass than do larger particles. Data suggest that particulate air pollution increases death rates from all causes, especially cardiovascular and respiratory illness.

Air pollution data have raised concerns regarding the potential health effects of even smaller particles, so-called nanoparticles, but clinical evidence of disorders related to exposure to nanoparticles has yet to be reported.

Answer 3

Smog does sometimes make people sick. This depends upon how heavy the smog is, and it also depends on the health of the individual person; people whose lungs are already weakened by asthma or other lung diseases are more susceptible to smog.

Answer 4

Absolutely! Some people are more sensitive to it than others.

Cigarette smoke, perfumes, incense, and many other airborne substances can cause illness or nauseate people that are sensitive to these pollutant. Many hospitals and other health care institutions ban the use of these and similar air pollutants for this reason.

Answer 5

Yes. In fact highly polluted air can cause death.

Answer 6

Yes breathing it can bring pollution to the lungs, and carry other deadly deseases.