Air Pollution And Your Health

The World health Organization (WHO) defines air pollution as, “contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.”

Air pollution is one of the health risk factors that we use in our health progrm to communicate the importance of protecting one's health from diseases. In developing healthy habits it is wise that we appreciate clean air and put it on our list of self care activities.

Air pollution is a major risk factor for chronic diseases, also called non communicable diseases(NCD). It is a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) and respiratory infections in children. Air pollution increases the risks of respiratory diseases.

Long term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of dying of stroke and heart disease.

According to a study on particulate matter, clean air can increase our life expectancy by as much as three years.

In one study, researchers studied particulate matter in the air in 51 US cities. They analyzed death and population data; they considered:

• Smoking rates

• Education level

• Income

• Migration

• Demographics.

The researchers found that the cities with the largest reduction in air pollution also had the greatest increase in life expectancy.

Clean air will protect our health from chronic diseases and premature death. Those who are physically challenged or are living with a disease will have a better quality of life.

Enjoying clean air is a right for all, to benefit from it let us make removal of air polluiton a self care activity.

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