Air pollution health concerns

Air pollution is linked to several health concerns, including respiratory diseases such as asthma; cardiovascular disease, allergies and neurological effects. A recent study in six major U.S. cities found that over 6000 deaths could be attributed to air pollution health concerns.

Air pollution is leading to a growing number of hospital emergency room treatments for respiratory emergencies, and more hospital admissions. Missing work days are growing due to air pollution health concerns.

Those most at risk for air pollution caused illness are those are exercising out of door, the elderly, and children.
Air pollution health concerns may range from almost unnoticed physiological variations to trouble breathing, panting, and increase of ongoing cardiac and respiratory conditions. These things can cause increased use of medications, a growing number of emergency room or physician visits, more hospital admissions, with premature death a real possibility.
Youngsters can suffer from a higher exposure risk when toxic substances are involved because their development is not complete and they are more exposed to injury. Because a child’s body weight is less, he has a greater air intake compared to adults; the child is in greater danger because of the potential for too much exposure to air pollution.
Genetic variations will also be a contributing factor in how an individual will react to less than perfect air quality. It is believed that genetics may predispose some people to react more violently to poor air quality.
Air pollution is caused by vehicle emissions which lead to smog, evaporative fuel in the air, dirt. The combination of any or all of these factors can provide a dangerous mix to those who already have respiratory or circulatory issues. Hydrocarbons from partially or completely unburned fuel in the engine, nitrites which are proven carcinogens, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are all known as tailpipe emissions.
Added to the air pollution health concerns is the presence of volatile gases given off from spilled fuel, unburned fuel and improper tank fills.
The level of contribution to the controversy over global warming is yet to be seen. Some believe that the addition of the ‘greenhouse gases’ to the already overburdened atmosphere maybe enough to tip the balance too far to recover. Yet, active measures have been taken to reduce air pollution since the 1970′s at the heart of the fuel crisis. Laws requiring yearly testing of automobile emissions are in place in most major cities and in some states.