The impact of air pollution on human health

Over the last few decades, air pollution has become one of the greatest worldwide environmental health concerns. Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost all of the global population (99%) breathe air that exceeds WHO guideline limits and contains high levels of pollutants, with everyone in low-, middle-, and high income countries suffering from the highest exposures. This event is a major issue in modern society, posing severe toxicological risks to human health and the environment. Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities and forest fires are some of the common sources of air pollution. Pollutants of major public health concern include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide. Outdoor and indoor air pollution for both short-term and long-term exposure can lead to various health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, neuropsychiatric disorders, eye irritation, skin conditions, and chronic diseases such as cancer. Numerous studies have demonstrated a direct link between poor air quality and increased rates of morbidity and mortality, particularly from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

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