A Wake-up Call: Staggering rise in Pollution and its effects

At the dawn of the industrial age, there has been a gradual and steady depreciation in the atmosphere. The main cause for such a change is fur to the over-exploitation of carbon resources like fossil fuels which is used for the generation of energy and transportation.

The major problem faced by developed and developing nations alike is Air Pollution. Studies have found that air pollution that has risen to a new level is the major cause for health problems around the world. Though these effects vary from place to place and person to person, it is the poor quality of air that is causing respiratory diseases like Asthma, which is a major problem in large parts of the world. But it is not just the low quality of air outside, but also the poor quality of air found inside homes, majorly in metropolitan cities that is also leading to fateful diseases. Though there are good quality HEPA air purifiers that are found in the market, people living in cities ignore such a grave problem amidst their daily lives. In the developing world highest, air pollution exposure happens indoors more than outdoors, giving way to major respiratory diseases like Asthma.

How does air pollution occur?

Combustion of various fossil fuels releases toxic gaseous pollutants, odours and SPM, such as dust, fumes, mist and smoke. These pollutants can cause severe damage to the environment and the people living in it. The largest sources of these pollutants is the usage of fossil fuels in various man-made necessities as energy generation, transportation and various other factories.

Smoke emitted from cars plays a major role in the pollution of the environment. This air pollution can lead to severe diseases if such gases are inhaled.  

The impact of air pollution:

A study conducted in 1952 after smoke and such gaseous elements affected a lot of people, showed that the change in the atmospheric structure was caused due to the gradual growth of industrialization. 

Air pollution caused inside homes in particular can cause hazardous health problems. Studies show that pollutants released indoors are hundred times more likely to cause diseases like lung cancer, than it is to likely happen outdoors. 

In countries like India, usage of biomass for energy consumption is more prevalent than in more developed countries. In rural areas where there is a lack of other energy sources people are still dependant on open fires for cooking and heating. Without a chimney in such houses, the risk factor of acquiring respiratory diseases increases tremendously. Even children are prone to these diseases while living in such harsh conditions. The main pollutant in this environment is SPM.

With each meal these families increase the consumption rate of such toxic materials like: carbon dioxide, polycyclic organic matter, and formaldehyde.

Air pollutants
Some of these gases can seriously and adversely affect the health of the population and should be given due attention by the concerned authority. The gases mentioned below are mainly outdoor air pollutants but some of them can and do occur indoor depending on the source and the circumstances.

Tobacco smoke. Tobacco smoke generates a wide range of harmful chemicals and is a major cause of ill health, as it is known to cause cancer, not only to the smoker but affecting passive smokers too. It is well-known that smoking affects the passive smoker (the person who is in the vicinity of a smoker and is not himself/herself a smoker) ranging from burning sensation in the eyes or nose, and throat irritation, to cancer, bronchitis, severe asthma, and a decrease in lung function.

Biological pollutants. These are mostly allergens that can cause asthma, hay fever, and other allergic diseases. 
Volatile organic compounds. Volatile compounds can cause irritation of the eye, nose and throat. In severe cases there may be headaches, nausea, and loss of coordination. In the longer run, some of them are suspected to cause damage to the liver and other parts of the body.
Formaldehyde. Exposure causes irritation to the eyes, nose and may cause allergies in some people.
Lead. Prolonged exposure can cause damage to the nervous system, digestive problems, and in some cases cause cancer. It is especially hazardous to small children.
Radon. A radioactive gas that can accumulate inside the house, it originates from the rocks and soil under the house and its level is dominated by the outdoor air and also to some extent the other gases being emitted indoors. Exposure to this gas increases the risk of lung cancer.

Ozone. Exposure to this gas makes our eyes itch, burn, and water and it has also been associated with increase in respiratory disorders such as asthma. It lowers our resistance to colds and pneumonia.
Oxides of nitrogen. This gas can make children susceptible to respiratory diseases in the winters.
Carbon monoxide. CO (carbon monoxide) combines with haemoglobin to lessen the amount of oxygen that enters our blood through our lungs. The binding with other haeme proteins causes changes in the function of the affected organs such as the brain and the cardiovascular system, and also the developing foetus. It can impair our concentration, slow our reflexes, and make us confused and sleepy.
Sulphur dioxide. SO₂ (sulphur dioxide) in the air is caused due to the rise in combustion of fossil fuels. It can oxidize and form sulphuric acid mist. SO₂ in the air leads to diseases of the lung and other lung disorders such as wheezing and shortness of breath. Long-term effects are more difficult to ascertain as SO2 exposure is often combined with that of SPM.

SPM (suspended particulate matter). Suspended matter consists of dust, fumes, mist and smoke. The main chemical component of SPM that is of major concern is lead, others being nickel, arsenic, and those present in diesel exhaust. These particles when breathed in, lodge in our lung tissues and cause lung damage and respiratory problems. The importance of SPM as a major pollutant needs special emphasis as 

a) it affects more people globally than any other pollutant on a continuing basis; 

b) there is more monitoring data available on this than any other pollutant; 

c) more epidemiological evidence has been collected on the exposure to this than to any other pollutant.

To prevent yourself from such hazardous diseases it is advisable to use good air purifiers for your home for you and your family.