The health impacts of air pollution

 

Watch
Air: a film about the air we breathe
as an introduction to the health impacts of poor air quality

 
 

Air pollution effects people of all ages: the foetus, babies, children, adults and the elderly. It has serious impacts on health for all of us.

Health deficits include:
  • respiratory complaints
  • heart disease
  • stroke
  • lung cancer
  • low birth weight
  • diabetes
  • cognitive decline and dementia
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • diminished mental health

    • The health impact depends on the type of air pollution to which a person is exposed: Particlate Matter (PM) or Nitrogen Dioxide ( NO2).

    In the case of Particlate Matter, the smaller the particle the greater impact on the body, with the smallest particles PM0.1 getting into the bloodstream, affecting the lungs, heart and brain.

    It's importaant to note that aviation also creates ultrafine particles. A 2020 study by Kings College London found that ultrafine particles from Heathrow airport are blown 11 miles into central London, registered by air pollution monitors in Marylebone https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/air-pollution-heathrow-airport-london-planes-climate-a9268846.html

    Source: UK Health Security Agency Health Matters
     

    Summary of pollutant and health information
    Source: Mayor of London website- files: Air Quality and Health Page 13; Figure 1
     

    How does pollution affect health?

    The health impact of air pollution get worse the smaller the particlate matter is.

    This diagram shows that the ultrafine particles (PM0.1) from transport are the most damaging particles.

    It's important to note that aviation also creates ultrafine particles. A 2020 study by Kings College London found that ultrafine particles from Heathrow airport are blown 11 miles into central London, as registered by air pollution monitors in Marylebone.

    Source: The Clean Breathing Institute
     

    Two interesting articles:

    Pollution may be damaging every organ and cell in the body Guardian 2019
    The AirRated Anthology: The Guide to Air Pollution

     

     
    AIR - A FILM ABOUT THE AIR WE BREATHE from Eleanor Church on Vimeo.