Impact of pollutants on human health

Eco education / 26.05.2020

For several weeks, we summarize the information on the excess of the average daily concentrations of pollutants in the air. At the beginning of the week we acquaint you with these figures. Now tell how these substances affect the human body.

The World Health Organization reports that polluted air is the main cause of morbidity throughout the world. According to environmental monitoring, most often in the air of Kryvyi Rih are recorded exceeding the concentration of dust, carbon oxide (carbon monoxide), oxide and nitrogen dioxide.

The most convincing evidence of the negative impact on human health is about nitrogen dioxide and the solid particles of the SM (we call them simplistic “dust”). These substances reduce the body’s resistance to infectious and bacterial diseases of the respiratory organs. That is, they affect the mortality rate.

Dust particles irritate the lungs. In Krivoy Rog Microdust from production has a predominantly needle structure. It enters the respiratory system and leaves Microscratches, damaging the alveoli in the lungs.

Microparticles penetrate even the circulatory system, spread by the bloodstream in the body and become one of the reasons for the formation of blood clots. Therefore, the dust affects heart function, blood pressure, heart rate, enhances inflammation and leads to autoimmune reactions. Increased concentration of dust increases the risks of stroke, infarction, and atherosclerosis, and increase the toxic effect of other pollutants adsorbing on the surface of the particles.

The Agency for the Study of Cancer (MAIR) WHO called the PM slices one of the causes of lung cancer.
Nitrogen dioxide penetrates the blood, so it can potentially affect all functions of the body. Acts on the metabolism, causes tissue edema. It is the most sensitive to asthma patients. Even low concentrations cause their hypersensitivity, chronic bronchitis, exacerbation of symptoms.

Reduced lung function is also associated with increased concentration NO2. Scientists suggest pollution this substance is associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, disorders of reproductive function, effects on mental development.

Cbreathing of carbon monoxide has an effect on the blood ability to transport oxygen, that is, in humans, oxygen famine begins. Because of this increases the sensitivity of the respiratory organs to other pollutants, inflammation, the arteries disease. The study also confirmed the relationship between systemic disease of the human and elevated concentrations of the vuhglythis oxide in the air.

The situation looks unattractive, not to say the worse. But this is not a reason to fall into panic. It is possible to reduce the impact on human health by decreasing the amount of emissions. Numerous modernization programs already provided by enterprises. That’s just unfortunately the industriics are constantly trying to delay the implementation of the stipulated measures.

We, as citizens, need a clear and active position. We can complain about the regulatory authorities if the suspect is violated. How to do this we wrote here. Also monitor public sluhannâmi, contribute to them and provide comments to businesses directly, or through authorities, environmental NGOs. To support the activities of eco-activists quantitatively, qualitatively or at least morally.

We continue to monitor polluters, follow our activities and join it.