Abstract. Both high arterial blood pressure (BP) and elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2. 5) air pollution have been associated with an increased risk for several cardiovascular (CV) diseases, including stroke, heart failure, and myocardial infarction.
Can your environment cause high blood pressure?
A host of environmental factors can significantly increase arterial blood pressure (BP) including cold temperature, high altitude, loud noises, and ambient air pollutants.
How does pollution affect blood?
This study found that long-term exposure to particulate matter and nitrogen oxides at levels close to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) can prematurely age blood vessels and contribute to a more rapid buildup of calcium in the coronary artery.
Can air pollution cause blood problems?
Even though much of the early research focused on respiratory diseases, more recent epidemiologic studies have shown that air pollution substantially contributes to the onset and aggravation of cardiovascular diseases and that these effects occur at relatively low levels of exposure.
Does air pollution increase blood pressure? – Related Questions
Can air quality affect your heart?
When you breathe in poor quality air, the air pollutants can travel deep into your bloodstream through your lungs, and to your heart. This can increase your risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases. Air pollutants can: Damage your blood vessels by making them narrower and harder.
What illnesses can air pollution cause?
Air pollution can affect lung development and is implicated in the development of emphysema, asthma, and other respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). PM and nitrogen oxide are linked to chronic bronchitis.
Is blood considered a pollutant?
Therefore, a dead body and its fluids are not pollutants.
In what way is the atmosphere changed by pollution?
Air pollutants have a complex relationship with climate change. Some pollutants, such as black carbon and ozone, increase warming by trapping heat in the atmosphere, while others, such as sulfur dioxide forming light reflecting particles, have a cooling effect on the climate.
Which pair of primary pollutants are precursors to acid deposition?
Acid rain results when sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) are emitted into the atmosphere and transported by wind and air currents.
What is still the most effective way of reducing air pollution in the atmosphere?
Reduce the number of trips you take in your car. Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use. Avoid burning leaves, trash, and other materials. Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
What can you do to help clean the air at home?
At home:
- Use low watt bulbs or energy-saving lights.
- Limit the use of air conditioning units and keep the temperature a few degrees higher.
- Don’t burn garbage.
- Avoid using aerosols.
- Properly dispose of refrigerant, refrigeration equipment, and used coolant.
How can we control indoor air pollution?
14 Ways to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution
- Open Windows.
- Ban Smoking.
- Give Your Pets a Bath.
- Use Exhaust Fans.
- Put Down a Doormat.
- Change Filters.
- Skip Fires.
- Don’t Cover Up Odors.
Which material is a common indoor air pollutant?
The most common indoor air pollutants include:
Carbon Monoxide. Cookstoves and Heaters. Formaldehyde. Lead (Pb)
How can I test the air quality in my home?
How to test indoor air quality
- Purchase an indoor air quality monitor.
- Evaluate health symptoms.
- Monitor carbon monoxide and radon levels.
- Get an air purifier.
- Call an air quality professional.
What are some of the long term side effects caused by indoor air pollution?
Indoor air pollution has been linked to a wide variety of adverse health effects, including headaches, respiratory problems, frequent colds and sore throats, chronic cough, skin rashes, eye irritation, lethargy, dizziness and memory lapses. Long-term effects may include an increased risk of cancer.
What causes poor air quality in home?
Indoor air pollution is usually caused by the accumulation of contaminants from various sources inside a home. Emissions from fireplaces, stoves, cigarettes, cleaning products, newer building materials, and chemicals stored in the home can cause indoor air problems.
How can you tell if air pollution is affecting you?
Aggravated respiratory disease such as emphysema, bronchitis and asthma. Lung damage, even after symptoms such as coughing or a sore throat disappear. Wheezing, chest pain, dry throat, headache or nausea. Reduced resistance to infections.
How do you know if the air in your house is clean?
Indoor Air and Dust Buildup
Another way to tell whether you have poor indoor air quality is if you see dust buildup around your home and collect around air vents. You may not spot buildup around areas you regularly clean, but keep a lookout for excess dust around your home. Also, check your air vents for dust buildup.
What are the symptoms of air pollution?
Air pollution can irritate the eyes, throat and lungs. Burning eyes, cough and chest tightness are common with exposure to high levels of air pollutants. However, responses to air pollution vary greatly in people. Some people may notice chest ightness or cough, while others may not notice any effects.
What are the 5 effects of air pollution?
Disastrous Effects of Air pollution
- Respiratory and Heart Problems. The effects of air pollution are alarming.
- Child Health Problems. Air pollution is detrimental to your health even before you take your first breath.
- Global Warming.
- Acid Rain.
- Eutrophication.
- Effect on Wildlife.
- Depletion of the Ozone Layer.
Which of our organs is mostly affected by air pollution and why?
Lungs and heart
There is now overwhelming evidence that air pollution results in serious harm not only to the lungs, but also to the heart. Here it increases the risk of heart attacks as arteries narrow and muscles weaken.
