Diseases Caused by Air Pollution
Air pollution has become a public health concern all over the world. Large scale industrial activities and vehicular emissions are the major causes of environmental air pollution, especially in developing countries like India. However, in recent years, indoor air pollution has emerged as one of the leading reasons for health issues in Indian metro cities.
Seemingly harmless stuff can cause indoor air pollution such as pet hair, cooking smoke, adhesives in household furniture and electronic equipment.
Toxic microparticles spread by air pollution can enter our lungs through the nasal tract and cause various health issues which can be as severe as cancer.
Read More: Best Way to Use Air Purifier | Tip and Tricks to Use Honeywell Air Purifiers
Here are some of the common diseases caused by indoor air pollution.
Lung Diseases and Respiratory Problems
Conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be caused or triggered by rising levels of air pollution. In several Indian metro cities, air pollution is the primary trigger for breathing ailments in children and the elderly.
Lung Cancer
While previously lung cancer was associated with those who smoke excessively, new evidence suggests that indoor air pollution can also be carcinogenic. Adhesives and chemicals used in furniture and computer equipment can release formaldehyde fumes, which are a known cause for cancer. It can be especially harmful to people who live or work in congested spaces, with little or no ventilation.
Cardiovascular Problems
Breathing in polluted air for long periods can increase the risk of heart diseases. Harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone can get mixed in the bloodstream and cause cardiovascular disorders. Particulate Matter is another pollutant that severely impacts the nervous system and cardiovascular activity.
Affects Pregnant Women and New-borns
Indoor air pollution can also have adverse effects on the health of women during pregnancy. The unborn child can suffer from a weaker immune system and may have a lung disorder upon birth. Newly born children also get affected by air pollution as they breathe in more air than adults during their formative years.
Shortened Life Span
Not necessarily a disease, but air pollution is also having an impact on a person’s general health and wellness. Multiple studies point out that the lifespan of a person living in a metro city like Delhi is about three years less than a person living in a cleaner rural or urban environment.
Safeguarding Yourself from Air Pollution
While we wait for the world at large to come at a consensus about dealing with air pollution, there are a few things to protect ourselves from air pollution.
- Wear an air pollution mask that filters particulate matter when going out.
- Travel in closed transportation to shield yourself from the carbon pollutants flying about in the air.
- Make sure that your house has proper ventilation. Install a chimney or exhaust fan in the kitchen to remove the gases released from your stove unit.
- Buy air purifiers for your home. Air purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters are the best at removing pollutants like PM2.5 particles and bacterial, viral and chemical contaminants.
- Get a car air purifier to secure your vehicle’s cabin from dust, Particulate Matter and gases like carbon monoxide.
About Air Purifiers
People are increasingly becoming aware of the risk posed by air pollution and have started opting for home air-purifying solutions. More people are now looking for home air purifiers online in comparison to when the products first went on sale. Moreover, the availability of affordable home air purifiers from international brands like Honeywell has also increased adoption.
Now, you can also refer to our air purifier buying guide to get the best home air purifier for your home and office.
Honeywell is a Fortune 100 brand, renowned internationally for its R&D of new, innovative technologies. The company is involved in fields as diverse as aerospace, infrastructure development, industrial innovations, safety & security, productivity solutions, oil & gas, manufacturing and development of performance materials. In India, the company sells fully automatic air coolers, air purifiers, electrical switches and sockets, electrical safety products and home and office security solutions.
Reference for this Article –
www.en.wikipedia.org
www.futurity.org
www.livestrong.com
Continue reading here: The Best Household Air Purifiers
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