Air Pollution – Air Borne Diseases
PREVENTION STARTS WITH YOU.STOP AIR POLLUTION.SAVE THE EARTH
- More than 5.5 million people die prematurely in the world every year due to air pollution related disease conditions. 1 in 4 deaths is due to living and working in a toxic environment.
- Air pollution is the fourth highest risk factor for death globally and the leading environmental risk factor for disease .
- India and China are the two countries where more than 50% of worldwide deaths occur due to air pollution .
- Cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, chronic obstructive lung diseases, asthma, pneumonia and bronchitis are the main diseases caused due to air pollution.
- Incidences of premature babies being born with poor mental growth are rising in number due to air pollution in India. Indians have 30% lower lung function due to the impact of polluted air.
- Indoor air pollution is equally hampering the health of people especially children.
Air pollution means the introduction of harmful gases or substance into the atmosphere. The physical, chemical and biological characteristics undergo changes which is a natural phenomenon of the atmosphere. The main source for this pollution are smoke from automobile, industries, domestic, volcanoes, smoke from burning waste materials, dust storms, military actions, breakage in ozone layer etc.
Due to this humans are affected by Lung Cancer, Chronic respiratory diseases, Heart diseases, Lung diseases, Damage to brain, nerves, liver and kidneys, lung Inflammation, trigger factor for asthma, all allergic reactions, accelerated aging of lungs, nose, throat and eyes, headache, vomiting and nausea etc. Children are more vulnerable to these problems because they are the one who spends more time outdoors.
Toxins released in the air which derange the body are carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter. Exposure to polluted air for short duration can cause eye irritation ,sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, headache, nausea and vomiting, burning in the mouth,pain in the stomach. Long term exposure can lead to life threatening diseases like Asthma, Lung cancer ,High blood pressure ,heart disease , stroke and diabetes
We should be aware about different types of air pollution and try to avoid or reduce air pollution by taking preventive and protective steps :
- Encourage carpooling, cycling, and public transport
- By keeping our vehicle well-tuned and properly maintained.
- Wearing recommended face mask
- Be careful while filling various gases in instruments and vehicles to avoid spill
- Use water based or solvent-free paints having low VOC
- Reduce aerosols in the house holds
- Paint with a brush rather than using sprayer
- Encourage and make a habit of planting trees in each occasion
- Select products that are made out of recycled materials
- Plant trees. Trees are said to save thousands of lives by absorbing toxic gases in the environment and purifying the air .It is recommended to have indoor and outdoor plants which can detoxify the air .Every tree planted helps the environment by improving air quality, improve ground water quality, reduce soil erosion, beautifies your home and neighbourhood.
