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AIR POLLUTION AND YOUR HEALTH

by Thadeus Obadha

 Welcome to our story on air pollution

We examine sources of air pollutants, and how air pollution affects your health, environment and wildlife, economy, and the human population.

Air pollution is driven by manmade activities and natural processes. 

No country and no human race is immune to the impacts of air pollution. 

Besides, pollutants can travel many miles before landing in human settlements and farms.

 

Sources of air pollutants

Tobacco smoking and waste incineration

Mining and quarrying may generate dust and particulate matter, pm

Industrial activities can also produce air pollutants such as c o, c o 2, dust, sulfur dioxide and many noxious gases

Building and construction works also generate particles, PM that can enter deep into the lungs and cause respiratory distress.

Agricultural activities include using insecticides, burning of biomass and land-clearing practices.

Milling and food processing activities can generate harmful particles and gases

Machines and motor vehicles-  produce harmful gases via exhaust fumes

Domestic sources of air pollution include- cooking, use of indoor pest control  fumigants, use of deodorants and other aerosols

Background exposure to radon and other radioactive matter as well as wind and rain carrying persistent organic pollutants

 

Health effects

 Respiratory distress

EDC linked-Obesity

EDC triggered-diabetes

Reproductive distress resulting in declining sperm quality and count

Abnormal and erratic ovulation pattern and reproductive health distress

Problems with Mental and cognitive development in children

Chronic exposure causes cancer and chronic respiratory diseases

 Abnormal human behavior such as;

Abnormal mating behavior and mate selection such as Endocrine Disrupting Compound induced homosexual tendencies.

Violent disposition and sudden emotional exhibitions and attacks which may include the murder of friends, spouse, and children.

Low physical performance and poor health – unwillingness to work and laziness

Low fertility

Birth defects

Population growth impacts may include unintended population decline amongst others

Reduction in food production- resulting in increasing cost of food and cost of living

 

Environmental effects of air pollution

Crop loss and PM deposition

Low yields leading to more expensive agriculture due to increased farming expenses which is unsustainable

Wildlife may be affected leading to  decline in their population arising due to drop in fertility and generally poor health of wild animals

Water sources get contaminated resulting in deposition of pollutants condensing or mist forming toxic dense nuclei.

Loss of marine biodiversity as well as fresh water flora and fauna, this will affect tourism and escalate unemployment, which will increase crime and insecurity.

 

What can we do?

we can take the following actions;

 Reduce pollution

Plant trees

Improve indoor air circulation and turnover

Protect ourselves at work and at home

Feed on a balanced diet to fight disease

Be physically fit to remain healthy and able to fight air pollution-derived insults and assault.

Create awareness about pollution to promote responsible citizenry

 

Look out for our next health story, we hope that you enjoyed and learned something.

 You can reach us on our website healthfirst.brick.site

 

 

 

 

 


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