The Effects of Air Pollution on Respiratory Health and Lungs
Experts stated that air pollution threatens lung health and urged individuals with chronic conditions to monitor air quality.
Chest Diseases Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Savaş Özsu drew attention to the harmful effects of air pollution on the respiratory system in a statement made on the occasion of World Environmental Health Day.
Environmental Factors and Lung Health
Complaints such as coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness may be related to environmental factors as well as being a sign of an underlying lung disease. Therefore, recurring or prolonged complaints should not be ignored.
Risks Threatening the Respiratory System
Air pollution is among the significant environmental risks that people are exposed to unknowingly in daily life. The respiratory system, which is in direct contact with the external environment, is at the forefront of the systems where the negative effects of pollution are observed.
World Health Organization Assessments
The World Health Organization considers air pollution as one of the primary environmental risks to human health. Pollution is associated with serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, COPD, lung cancer, and respiratory infections.
Deep Impacts of Particulate Matter
Very small particles can reach the smallest airways through respiration. During periods of intense air pollution, complaints of individuals with chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD may increase.
Physical Activity and Air Quality Monitoring
During periods of poor air quality, it is important especially for asthma and COPD patients to limit intense physical activities outdoors. Experts recommend closely monitoring air quality during this process.