Effects of Air Pollutants on Human Health: Emissions are major - TopicsExpress



          

Effects of Air Pollutants on Human Health: Emissions are major contributor to pollution in urban areas and areas near highways. Effects of its sub-constituents are studied scientifically and it is proven that they are a major thereat to Human health and makes a deep dent on a nations exchequer due to diseased population. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Nitrogen dioxide belongs to a family of highly reactive gases called nitrogen oxides (NOx). These gases form when fuel is burned at high temperatures, and come principally from motor vehicle exhaust and stationary sources such as electric utilities and industrial boilers. A suffocating, brownish gas, nitrogen dioxide is a strong oxidizing agent that reacts in the air to form corrosive nitric acid, as well as toxic organic nitrates. It also plays a major role in the atmospheric reactions that produce ground-level ozone (or smog). Health and Other Effects: Nitrogen dioxide can irritate the lungs and lower resistance to respiratory infections such as influenza. Nitrogen oxides are important in forming ozone and may affect both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Nitrogen oxides in the air are a potentially significant contributor to a number of environmental effects such as acid rain and eutrophication in coastal waters. Particulate Matter (PM-10 and PM-2.5) Particulate matter is the term for solid or liquid particles found in the air. Some particles are large or dark enough to be seen as soot or smoke. Others are so small they can be detected only with an electron microscope. Health and Other Effects: Major concerns for human health from exposure to particulate matter are: effects on breathing and respiratory systems, damage to lung tissue, cancer, and premature death. The elderly, children, and people with chronic lung disease, influenza, or asthma, tend to be especially sensitive to the effects of particulate matter. Acidic particulate matter can also damage manmade materials and is a major cause of reduced visibility. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Sulfur dioxide belongs to the family of sulfur oxide gases (SOx). These gases are formed when fuel containing sulfur (mainly coal and oil) is burned, and during metal smelting and other industrial processes. Health and Other Effects: The major health concerns associated with exposure to high concentrations of SO2 include effects on breathing, respiratory illness, alterations in pulmonary defenses, and aggravation of existing cardiovascular disease. Major subgroups of the population that are most sensitive to SO2 include asthmatics and individuals with cardiovascular disease or chronic lung disease (such as bronchitis or emphysema) as well as children and the elderly. Lead (Pb) Smelters and battery plants are the major sources of the pollutant lead in the air. The highest concentrations of lead are found in the vicinity of nonferrous smelters and other stationary sources of lead emissions. Health Effects: Exposure to lead mainly occurs through inhalation of air and ingestion of lead in food, paint, water, soil, or dust. Lead accumulates in the body in blood, bone, and soft tissue. Because it is not readily excreted, lead can also affect the kidneys, liver, nervous system, and other organs. Excessive exposure to lead may cause anemia, kidney disease, reproductive disorders, and neurological impairments such as seizures, mental retardation, and/or behavioral disorders. Recent studies show that lead may be a factor in high blood pressure and subsequent heart disease in middle-aged white males. Lead may also contribute to osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Carbon monoxide is a colorless odorless poisonous gas formed when carbon in fuels is not burned completely. It is a byproduct of motor vehicle exhaust, which contributes more than two-thirds of all CO emissions nationwide. In cities, automobile exhaust can cause as much as 95 percent of all CO emissions. These emissions can result in high concentrations of CO, particularly in local areas with heavy traffic congestion. Health and Other Effects: Carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream and reduces oxygen delivery to the bodys organs and tissues. The health threat from CO is most serious for those who suffer from cardiovascular disease. Healthy individuals are also affected, but only at higher levels of exposure. Exposure to elevated CO levels is associated with visual impairment, reduced work capacity, reduced manual dexterity, poor learning ability, and difficulty in performing complex tasks.
Posted on: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 07:12:01 +0000

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