Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health - Research Paper Example

Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health: A Study on the harmful effects of air pollution on human health ID: : Word Count: 3,515 Outline Outline 2 References 18 Introduction Today, there is an international issue of saving the natural resources and preventing pollution in the world , particularly air pollution. Air pollution is of great concern because the harmful gases present in the atmosphere are inhaled along with oxygen by humans and animals which causes serious health issues in their body.This methodology aims at identifying these harmful pollutants existing in the air that are hazardous to human health. To fulfill this task, the study has been divided in to fourteen sections which also contain sub sections to elaborate the study and present a detailed vission of each pollutant along with its reference value, definition, sources and distinctive health effects when exposed to these gases. The research is supported by prominent books, websites, articles and documents. In the end , the observation and conslusion of the writer is also presented. Air Pollution Rao mentions in his book (Rao et al, 2007)- "Air pollution means the presence in the outdoor atmosphere of one or more contaminants, such as dust, fumes, gas, mist, odor, smoke, or vapor in quantities, with characteristics, and of durations such as to be injurious to human, plant, or animal life or to property, or which unreasonably interfere with comfortable enjoyment of life and property." Sources of Air Pollution Air pollutants can be classified as natural or can be the product of man made industrial operations, also known as unnatural sources. The various sources of pollutants can either be stationery or mobile as mentioned below (Nps, 1998) - Natural Sources (Natural Contaminants) Natural fog, pollen grains, bacteria, volcanic eruption (Aerosols) Dust, smoke, mists, fog and fumes According to a web document, natural air pollution is not caused by people, for example - a volcano erupts particulate matter and gases whereas plants or trees are known to emit VOCs that are oxidized, they cause natural blue haze. Prairie fires and forests emit pollutants too, dust storms emit particulate matters and animals in forests are also natural source of pollution in their natural habitats (Nps, 1998) Unnatural Sources Ronald mentions in his book that gaseous air pollutants that are caused by man made activities constitute an important component for indoor and outdoor air and causes harmful effects on health. Such as the primary pollutants like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and the secondary pollutant like ozone are considered to be unnatural sources of air pollution (Hester et al, 1998). Urban atmosphere V/S Rural Atmosphere Approximately 1 billion people are affected by urban air pollution each year which causes premature deaths up to 1 million.90% of emission is contributed by factories, vehicles and low fuel quality (Unep, 2012). Comparing the rural areas, where the primary pollutants are significantly lesser unlike urban areas. Interestingly the level of ozone is generally higher between 20% - 40% as recorded by the National Automatic Rural Monitoring Network in UK. Comparing these two, it is quite evident that people in villages are much healthier than people living in metropolitan cities (Enviropedia, 2012) Key Components in Air The five major components of air includes the following - Nitrogen - 78% Oxygen - 21% Water vapor - 1% Argon - 0.93% Carbon dioxide - 0.038% Among all these components, it is the oxygen which the most important for humans and animals to survive. Carbon dioxide and nitrogen is mostly needed by plants and trees for better growth (wisegeek, 2013) Major Pollutants in Air and their Effects on Human Health I. Carbon monoxide Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gaseous pollutant and it has the ability to mix with hemoglobin. The first sign of its encounter with the body is the loss of consciousness. It may even cause death at higher level but on a lower level encounter too, it is able to affect the health of a person so much that he may end up in hospital with cerebral damages (Ronald, 1998). Reference Value-When it collides with the hemoglobin (COHb) in red blood cells the level are recorded to determine the harmful affects of the gas. Cigarette smokers may have a recorded level of 4% - 15% while concentration level of COHb at 2.5-4.0% has shown health effects on even healthy men. The normal range is considered to be below 2.5%. For heart patients, a study revealed in N.America and London that patients with heart failures had CO increased levels by 23% (Ronald, 1998). Definition and main source CO is a colorless, tasteless and odorless harmful and piousness gas. It results by an incomplete burning of natural gas or materials such as kerosene, propane, wood, coal, forges or gasoline. The most common source of Co is combustion engine (OSHA, 2002). Health effect Inhaling Co may result in tightening around the chest and may be followed by severe headache, nausea and fatigue. People suffering with angina may also experience sudden chest pain. Encountering CO at a higher level may also worsen the situation where the patient might vomit, loosing consciousness and even collapsing. Muscles going weaker is also one the symptoms of prolonged exposure of CO. It is extremely dangerous for young kids and older people. Pregnant women, if exposed to CO may cause harmful effects on fetuses while smokers and people living at high altitudes may also get severely harmful effects by CO (OSHA, 2002). II. Carbon dioxide Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colorless gas which is odorless and is one of the components of air. It is also considered to be very important form of greenhouse gases. It is the byproduct of animals and human when they inhale oxygen, CO2 is produced which is again inhaled by plants and trees. This way, the balance of ecological system of the earth is maintained (Rutherford, 2012). Reference Value- CO2 has a quality to sublime and can transform from solid to gas without changing in to liquid at a particular atmospheric pressure .The normal reference range is considered to be 250-350ppm considering air at outdoor level. Places occupied but with good air ventilation may have a reference range of above 350 up to 1000 ppm. Poor air quality with CO2 may be considered from 1000-2000 ppm and level which goes above 2000 and up to 5000 is completely dangerous with effects on the body system as headache and increased heart rates. Some even at the cases of levels above 5000 which indicates that other gases are also present and levels such as 40,000 would mean that oxygen is absent and may even result in the death of the person (Rutherford, 2012). Definition and main source- CO2 is a colorless gas but has a faint taste and is non flammable. It can also transform in to solid (dry ice) or liquid state. Its main source is through the lungs of human beings or animals. It can also be produced from the burning of fossil fuels, decaying vegetation and surface soil (Rutherford, 2012). Health effect Exposure to high level of CO2 may result in many side effects on the body such as loss of concentration, fatigue, headache and nausea. Difficulty in breathing and the person may also collapse due to poor air quality and deprivation of oxygen may also be extremely harmful for lungs (Rutherford, 2012). III. Hydrogen Sulfide gas Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is a colorless gas. It is quite heavy as compared to air and is mainly found in low based areas with poor ventilation like basement, manure pits and sewer lines. It can also exist in the form of a liquid compressed gas (OSHA, 2002). Reference Value- Reference level of H2S gas is dangerous when it is above 100 ppm , when entering in such areas one should be careful enough to use facemask and a self contained breathing apparatus. If the level is below 100 ppm then it is advised to use a respirator that could purify air. It can cause irritation to eyes hence; a full face mask is a good option for protection. Even at level 2, 4 or 5-10 there may be problems such as metabolic effects, bronchial restriction, breathlessness, nausea. At level 20, without any protection it may result in memory loss and drowsiness too (OSHA, 2002). Definition and main source- Hydrogen sulfide is flammable gas and is considered to be hazardous, it has a rotten egg like smell. It is also known as sewerages, manure gas or swamp gas. It may exist in areas with still conditions and is produced from wastages. The main source of H2S is through sewage from human and animal wastes. It is produced by the break down of bacteria from organic materials and wastes. It can also be produced industrially through natural or petroleum gas by refining, drilling tanneries and treating waste water (OSHA, 2002). Health effect The smell of H2S is just like a rotten egg and it can cause vomiting, uneasiness and anxiety but it does not harm seriously. It can prove hazardous when its level is above 2ppm for more than 30 minutes and it is particularly dangerous for asthmatic patients. If the level increases 500 times then mucous membrane of eyes can be extremely affected (OSHA, 2002). IV. Lead Lead (Pb) is naturally found in the environment and is a form of metal. It is also used in manufactured goods. Lead is also added in petrol and it is often found in high quantity in air at major cities (Atsdr, 2007). Reference Value- Studies reveal that lead is particularly harmful for young children and reference values are set for many products that should be kept within limit or else it may turn hazardous to health. For example for soil, if it is uncontaminated the concentration of lead is less then 50 ppm, in case of drinking water the maximum contaminated level is set to be zero which is safe, an alarming level is when it rises up to 15 ug/L.As for food products, the alarming level is set to be 0.5 ug/L specially for products that is meant for infants or children. The level for white house paint is lowered to 0.06% however the level is higher in dry paints (Atsdr, 2007). Definition and main source- Lead is a very soft metal and is present in air in the form of very small particles. The main source of lead getting in to air is through soil erosion, bushfire and eruptions from volcano. Its natural concentration is less than 0.1 microgram/ cubic meter and it is also sourced from operations in mines, recycling of batteries and fishing sinkers of lead (Atsdr, 2007). Health effect Excessive amount of lead can result in muscle and joint pains. It can also cause anemia, gastric troubles, sleeping disorder high blood pressure or sever headaches. If children are exposed to lead, they can develop in to adults with poor motor abilities and poor concentration level. If a pregnant woman is exposed to lead, it can severely harm the unborn baby resulting in premature birth or even miscarriage (Atsdr, 2007). V. Particle Particles are also known as Particulate matter, which are floating in the air and cannot be seen. They are often considered to be the air pollutant that can mostly affect the health of people exposed to it. Reference Value- The reference level from 0-50 is considered to be good while level from 51-100 is considered to be moderate. Level above 100 and up to 150 is determined at being unhealthy and sensitive. When the level is above 300, it is termed as hazardous and extremely unhealthy (Airinfonow, 2012). Definition and main source- Particles float in the air, they can come in any shape or sizes, in solid form or in the form of liquid drops. They are divided in two groups namely PM10, the bigger ones and PM 2.5 which are the smaller ones.PM2.5 are thinner by 1000 times than a single strand of human hair. The main source of PM2.5 is through automobiles, bush fires and by processing other heavy metals. They are also present in yard waste and toxic organic compounds. PM10’s source is through dust, fume, and dirt from factory, industrial road and farming (Airinfonow, 2012). Health effect PM2.5 can enter the human body through nose or mouth. People who do exercise, tend to breathe heavily and so allowing particles to enter deeply in their bodies. In an unhealthy atmosphere, people who are asthmatic should limit their outdoor exertion. PM2.5 is dangerous for lungs, they are made up of elements that are toxic and they are considered to be among those heavy metals and organic compounds that cause cancer.PM2.5 can be hazardous as compared to PM10. Exposure to PM2.5 can cause coughing, breathlessness, asthma, damage to lungs and premature deaths to those who have a history of lungs infected diseases (Airinfonow, 2012). VI. Ozone Ozone (O3) is a gas that is present in the two layers of the atmosphere of earth and reacts while in contact with the action of light. Ozone is considered to cause serious effects on the population. Reference Value- WHO Air quality offers the guideline value for o3 as 120 ug/m3 (60ppb) concentration for 8 hours. It is also reported that value from 0-50 is considered to be a good level while 50 - 100 is considered to be moderate but as it slightly increases from 150, it comes under unhealthy atmosphere. Level from 200 to 300 and above is extremely harmful for people with respiratory problems (Airinfonow, 2012). Definition and main source- When the three atoms of oxygen are joined together, they are known as Ozone O3. It is considered to react with anything that it is in contact with. In fact, it is for this reason that it is extremely good for disinfecting and cleaning. If it gets in contact with lungs then it can be very harmful. It can also prove harmful for rocks, landscape and buildings. Ozone is generated everyday by automobiles such as cars and trucks. Factories and gas stations are other sources of producing Ozone. It is also caused by refrigerators, ACs, sprays and cleaners. Gases emitted through these equipments are known as chlorofluorocarbons or CFSs. It is about 10 miles above from the population and can cause serious health damages too (Airinfonow, 2012). Health effect Ozone attacks our respiratory system directly, and it can cause irritation in the air way that can lead to coughing, irritation in the throat or even chest pain. It also affects the function of the lungs and can seriously weaken the system of the lungs. Asthmatic patients are also severely affected by ozone, worsening their respiratory system. It can also leverage bronchitis and emphysema (Airinfonow, 2012). VII. Nitrogen dioxide Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) comes under highly reactive gasses which are called oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Reference Value- The quality index confirms that the reference level for nitrogen dioxides ranging from 0-50 is safe and causes no harm to people. Where as level 51-100 is considered moderate and comes with a caution for sensitive people, not to be exposed to areas containing NO2.The level which is marked as unhealthy ranges from 101-150 and is advisable for asthmatic patients and children to stay away from its exposure. The dangerous level is considered to be places with the level of NO2 being more than 200, asthmatic patients, people with lung infection should avoid getting exposed to such areas (EPA, 2011). Definition and main source- NO2 is a gas which is designed to act as a protecting agent against harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx). It acts as an indicator for the highly reactive group of NOx. Nitric acid and NO2 join together to form NOx. Ozone is formed when NOx reacts with volatile organic compounds. The main sources of NO2 are from the burning of fossil fuels from machines, engines of vehicles, factory machinery, power plants and industrial equipments. It is also found in vehicles used in construction work, as well as in the equipments of garden related works (EPA, 2011). Health effect- Even short term exposure to NO2 of about 30 minutes can result in respiratory difficulties and cause inflammation to even healthy people. Asthmatic patients can experience sever breathing difficulties. People exposed to road tasks can be encountered with severe discomfort due to NO2 exposure. Children can also get lung infection and sensitive people should also be taken extra care if they are exposed to areas with active NO2 gas (EPA, 2011). Sulphur dioxide Sulphur dioxide (SO2) comes under the group of highly reactive gasses which are called as oxides of sulphur. SO2 is considered to affect the respiratory system of a human body. Reference Value- The reference value for a safe environment with SO2 is considered to be between 0-15 which causes no ill affect on the health of people and even a slight increase in this level from 19-30 is still considered safe . Moderate level ranges from 32-49 which is still not harmful but if it increases from 50-99 then, it is considered to be harmful and it can damage the vegetation severely. The extreme level which is considered to be alarming ranges from 100 or above and it can cause great health disorder in people being exposed to it (Airqualityontario, 2006). Definition and main source- So2 is a colorless gas which has a smell of burning matches. It is highly reactive and it is for this reason that it can transform in to sulphur trioxide when oxidized and with water vapor, it can further change in to sulphuric acid mist. It is also known as the precursor of sulphate. Through a very interesting report, it is evident that the main sources of So2 are Smelter that contributes to almost 50% of So2 emission, where as utilities offer almost 19% of emission. Downstream petroleum sector emits almost 9%, through cement and concrete the emission is about 6% and 4% emission is done by transportation (Airqualityontario, 2006) Health effect The health effects on people exposed to So2 includes - respiratory problems, lungs infection, cardiovascular diseases and breathing difficulties. Sensitive people who are suffering from asthma or lung infection may experience severe discomfort if exposed to SO2.It is also very harmful for vegetation, and can destroy crops too.So2 along with nitrogen oxides are the main source of acid rain. It is the reason for acidification of rivers and lakes.SO2 is also responsible for the formation of microscopic acid aerosols that can create serious health issues and disturb the ecological system of the earth (Airqualityontario, 2006). Disposable Method and Prevention of Air Pollution There are some suggested measures necessary in order to prevent air pollution (uoregon, 2012) - Making it a practice of using water based paints. Avoid using vehicles to reach near by places, instead try walking towards the destination. Adopting solar energy at homes is also another measure to minimize the use of fossil fuels. When the ozone level is higher in summers, park the car at home and take bus or public transport. It is also to be ensured that the houses should be properly ventilated to welcome fresh air in the house It is also important to use earth friendly equipments while working in the garden and avoid using chemicals and heavy fuel based machinery for smalls tasks Plant more trees so as to ensure shade, and greenery all around Aerosol products should be avoided completely. Avoid wasting natural resources like water and soil. Even while bathing, one should try not to waste too much water. Use of cloth napkins is better then paper napkins Electricity saving is also a good practice to ensure less consumption of energy It is also advised to use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable batteries Apart from all these measures awareness is also very important among your family, friends, relatives and neighbors (Uoregon, 2012) Conclusion Mother earth is a beautiful place to live in and it becomes the duty of every inhabitant to keep it clean and green. It is also a great concern for the future generation because if the air pollution is not prevented, they will be deprived of using natural resources. They will never be able to enjoy the pure form the resources that the present generation enjoy today like fresh air, green forest, sparkling water and rich soil. Through this methodology, the harmful effects of gases have been studied and their reference values are examined which enables to understand the disturbances these gases can add to the ecological system of the earth and harmful exposure of such gases results in serious health damages. These gases can also affect gravely to an unborn child too, which is a matter of concern because it is not prevented, there might be an increased cases of pre-mature birth of infants with physical disabilities. Awareness of measures to be taken in order to preserve natural resources and prevent air pollution is extremely important. A hope for a cleaner and greener environment is not difficult to achieve, many hands will join together and the chain will grow stronger. References Airinfonow.org (n.d.) Air Info Now: What is Particulate Matter. [online] Available at: http://www.airinfonow.org/html/ed_particulate.html [Accessed: 16 Feb 2013]. Airqualityontario.com (2006) Sulphur Dioxide. 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New Delhi: TATA McGraw Hill, p.1-2. Unep.org (2012.) Urban Environment Unit , UNEP. [online] Available at: http://www.unep.org/urban_environment/issues/urban_air.asp [Accessed: 15 Feb 2013]. Read More