Air pollution and its impact on the human body and the environment
The current environmental situation makes us increasingly think about the quality of the atmospheric air we breathe every day. Air pollution is not only a problem of large industrial cities, but also a safety issue even in everyday life. This problem is directly related to our well-being, the state of immunity and the development of serious chronic diseases.
Atmospheric air is constantly changing under the influence of anthropogenic factors, and these changes often negatively affect human health. Among the main air pollutants are: fine particles, dioxides, carbon monoxide and ozone, which, when inhaled, can cause inflammation or exacerbation of chronic diseases.
These substances are especially dangerous for people with lung diseases, as they can worsen respiratory function and cause allergic reactions.
Deterioration of air quality — is a serious challenge for modern ecology, which requires a systemic approach. One of the solutions may be the use of high-quality ventilation — for example, systems available in the Ventilator online store, which help reduce the impact of polluted air in rooms.
In this material, we will consider what air pollution is, what its main sources are, how it negatively affects the human body and what methods of air purification are the most effective.
What is air pollution, polluted air and why is it important for the human body and the environment
Atmospheric air pollution — is the presence of pollutants in it in such concentrations that pose a danger to the health of people, animals, plants and the environment in general. This can be both outdoor air (atmospheric) and indoor air indoors (in residential and commercial premises).
The fact that many harmful impurities, in particular particulate matter, have no odor or color is threatening. A person can inhale dangerous air for a long time without suspecting it until health problems appear. Prolonged inhalation in rooms with poor ventilation is especially dangerous — this can cause the accumulation of CO₂, the appearance of mold, the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.
Main sources of air pollution and their impact on the human body
The most common sources of pollution include:
- Dust and particulate matter — microparticles that settle in the lungs, causing irritation of the respiratory tract and chronic respiratory diseases.
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) — in high concentrations causes headaches, fatigue, impaired concentration, and affects health.
- Toxic gases — such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides, sulfur compounds. They are especially dangerous when inhaled for children and people with chronic diseases.
- Biological pollutants — bacteria, fungi, spores, viruses that enter the body through the air.
- Volatile organic compounds — evaporate from furniture, paints, detergents, are among the sources of pollution.
These substances can be present both in the open air (air in cities) and indoors. Fine particles PM2.5 are especially dangerous — they penetrate the lungs, blood vessels, cause disruption of the cardiovascular system, which poses a serious risk of disease.
How polluted air affects the human body: WHO data
Забрудненість повітря негативно впливає на здоров’я населення. За даними Всесвітньої організації охорони здоров’я, більше 90% людей з низьким та середнім рівнем доходу дихають повітрям, рівень забрудненості якого перевищував допустимі норми. Це викликає шкоди здоров’ю людини, зокрема:
Air pollution negatively affects the health of the population. According to the World Health Organization, more than 90% of people with low and middle incomes breathe air with pollution levels exceeding permissible standards. This causes harm to human health, in particular:
- Respiratory diseases — associated with prolonged inhalation of particles that disrupt the functioning of the respiratory tract and respiratory organs.
- Allergies — caused by air pollution, especially dust, fungi, ozone, pollen.
- Heart problems — solid particles cause cardiac disorders, heart attacks and strokes.
- Oncological diseases — some pollutants are carcinogenic.
- Immune system impairment — long-term pollution negatively affects the general health of people.
The World Health Organization indicates that polluted air causes millions of deaths every year, especially in regions with high air pollution and the lack of a proper heating and ventilation system. Air pollution today covers all regions of Ukraine, especially Kyiv, where the level of air pollution often exceeds the norm. The air pollution map shows the degree of air pollution in cities, especially during periods of active heating.
How purify polluted indoor air and protect the body: the role of ventilation
To solve the problem of indoor air pollution, it is important to install ventilation systems. They reduce air pollution, emissions of toxic substances, and prevent them from entering the body. The main sources of pollution in residential areas are poor heating, burning of household waste, motor vehicles, and the use of household chemicals. Reducing emissions reduces the harmful impact on the air environment and the environment in general.
WHO advice on reducing indoor air pollution and its impact on the body
The World Health Organization has provided simple advice that will help reduce the impact of polluted air and protect public health:
- Regular ventilation reduces air pollution levels.
- Using hoods reduces emissions during cooking, burning, and heating.
- Using air purifiers with filters traps particulate matter and other pollutants.
- Humidity control prevents the formation of mold and mildew — a common harmful air impurity.
- Limiting motor vehicles reduces emissions in urban air.
- Household chemicals should be environmentally friendly — This reduces indoor air pollution.
Summary: air pollution, the human body, WHO and the environment
The problem of air pollution must be solved comprehensively, taking into account the recommendations of the World Health Organization. The impact on health from inhaling polluted air is obvious - it provokes respiratory diseases, disruption of the cardiovascular system, causing health problems. The air exceeded permissible levels repeatedly, especially in large cities of Ukraine.
The causes of atmospheric air pollution can be different - from transport emissions to industrial processes. However, the consequences always remain similar: reduced immunity, increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, general harm to human health.
To reduce the risks, it is necessary to control the level of air pollutants and implement measures to ensure the cleanest air in cities and homes. Modern ventilation solutions, which can be found in the Ventilator store, effectively purify the air and maintain a favorable microclimate.
Caring about air quality — is caring about the future, in which ecology and health should not be mutually exclusive concepts.
Reducing air pollution is possible thanks to effective ventilation systems, ecological heating, limiting vehicle emissions and controlling combustion sources. Caring about air — it is a concern for people's health and the environment as a whole.
If you need a high-quality ventilation system for your home, office or production - contact the online store Ventilator.ua by phone +38 (044) 238-24-81. Our experts will help you choose the optimal solution to ensure clean air with minimal pollution.
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