When we think of fatal diseases, cancer is often the first that comes to mind. While cancer is a serious and deadly disease, there is another unseen assassin that takes more lives each year than cancer: air pollution.

Air Pollution: A Global Health Crisis

Air pollution is not just a problem in highly industrialized countries; it is a global health crisis.

According to the World Health Organization, 9 out of 10 people breathe in air that exceeds safe levels of pollution, leading to an estimated 7 million premature deaths each year. That is more than double the number of deaths caused by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined.

The Different Types of Air Pollution

There are several different types of air pollution, but the two most dangerous to human health are particulate matter (PM) and ozone (O3).

Particulate Matter (PM)

Particulate matter is a mixture of tiny particles and liquid droplets that are suspended in the air we breathe. There are different sizes of particulate matter, but the most dangerous are those that are smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5).

These tiny particles can travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing a range of health problems, from respiratory illness to heart disease.

Ozone (O3)

Ozone is a gas that is formed when sunlight reacts with pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, and other sources.

It is most commonly known as “smog” and is a major problem in many cities around the world, particularly in developing countries. Breathing in ozone can cause a range of respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

The Health Effects of Air Pollution

The health effects of air pollution can be both immediate and long-term. Exposure to high levels of pollution can cause immediate health problems, such as worsening of asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

Long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

Who is at Greatest Risk?

While everyone is at risk of health problems caused by air pollution, there are certain groups of people who are more vulnerable than others, including:.

Children
Elderly people
Pregnant women
People with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular disease
People who work or exercise outdoors

What Can be Done to Reduce Air Pollution?

Reducing air pollution is a complex problem that requires action at both an individual and governmental level. Some steps that can be taken include:.

Using public transportation instead of driving
Carpooling or using ride-sharing services
Walking or biking for short trips
Switching to electric or hybrid vehicles
Using energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs
Supporting clean energy sources, such as wind and solar
Regulating emissions from industrial sources, such as power plants and factories

The Bottom Line

Air pollution is a global health crisis that takes more lives each year than cancer.

While there is no easy solution, taking steps to reduce our own contribution to air pollution and advocating for government policies that reduce emissions can help protect our health and the health of future generations.