Air Pollution: A Threat to Human Health and the Environment

Air pollution is the contamination of the atmosphere by harmful chemicals, gases, and particles, posing serious risks to human health, wildlife, and the environment.

Air pollution is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for stroke. Research has shown that exposure to particulate matter (PM), particularly PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less), is strongly associated with an increased risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that air pollution contributes to about 15% of all stroke cases globally. A meta-analysis of multiple studies estimated that each 10 µg/m³ increase in PM2.5 exposure is associated with an 8% increase in the risk of stroke. A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health indicated that approximately one-third of global stroke-related deaths are linked to long-term exposure to air pollution.

State of Affairs in Pakistan Regarding Air Pollution

Pakistan faces severe challenges concerning air pollution, which significantly impacts public health, including the risk of stroke. The air quality in major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad frequently exceeds WHO guidelines for safe levels of air pollutants.

Key Statistics and Facts

Air Quality Index (AQI)

Cities like Lahore often record AQI levels above 300 during the winter, categorizing the air quality as hazardous. For comparison, the WHO’s recommended safe level for PM2.5 is 10 µg/m³ (annual mean).

Health Impact

According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, in 2019, air pollution was responsible for over 135,000 deaths in Pakistan, with cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, being a major contributor.

Stroke Risk

The high levels of PM2.5 in Pakistan are particularly concerning, as studies suggest that every 10 µg/m³ increase in PM2.5 can lead to an 8% rise in stroke risk. This is alarming for a country where the average annual PM2.5 levels in many areas are significantly above WHO guidelines.

Government Response

While there have been efforts to address air pollution, such as the Lahore High Court’s orders to control smog and the government’s Clean Green Pakistan initiative, enforcement remains inconsistent.

How Does it Happen?

Air pollution results from human activities and natural sources, humans have a tendency to spread their kind by

re-populating and growing. Humans are ever growing and so naturally they destroy valuable land and vegetation to live. Here are some things that humans did that destroyed wildlife, agriculture and fossil fuels.

1. Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) for energy and transportation)

2. Industrial processes (mining, smelting, refining).

3. Agricultural activities (pesticides, fertilizers).

4. Waste management (landfills, incineration).

5. Construction and demolition

What happens to the envirment because of all this pollution?

1. Climate Change: Air pollution contributes to global warming.

2. Acid Rain: Pollutants combine with rainwater, harming ecosystems.

3. Ozone Layer Depletion: Chemicals damage the protective ozone layer.

4. Haze and Smog: Reduced visibility, respiratory issues

Reducing Air Pollution:

1. Transition to renewable energy.

2. Increase energy efficiency.

3. Implement pollution controls.

4. Promote sustainable transportation.

5. Practice waste reduction and recycling.

Sources:

- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Air Pollution

- World Health Organization (WHO): Air Pollution

- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Air Pollution

Air pollution is a risk factor for stroke due to its harmful effects on the body,

Cardiovascular Effects:

1. Inflammation: Air pollutants trigger systemic inflammation, damaging blood vessels and increasing cardiovascular risk.

2. Endothelial dysfunction: Pollution impairs blood vessel function, reducing vasodilation and increasing blood pressure.

3. Blood clotting: Exposure to pollutants enhances blood clotting, increasing the likelihood of ischemic stroke.

4. Atherosclerosis: Long-term exposure to pollutants accelerates plaque buildup in arteries.

Neurological Effects:

1. Neuroinflammation: Air pollutants trigger inflammation in the brain, damaging brain cells and disrupting normal function.

2. Blood-brain barrier disruption: Pollutants can breach the blood-brain barrier, allowing toxins to enter the brain

Systemic Effects:

 

1. Systemic inflammation: Air pollution triggers systemic inflammation, increasing cardiovascular risk.

2. Immune system suppression: Long-term exposure to pollutants weakens the immune system.

. It causes significant damage to the body , How?

1. Inflammation: Air pollutants (particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone) trigger systemic inflammation, damaging blood vessels and increasing stroke risk.

2. Endothelial dysfunction: Pollution impairs blood vessel function, reducing vasodilation and increasing blood pressure.

3. Blood clotting: Exposure to pollutants enhances blood clotting, increasing the likelihood of ischemic stroke.

4. Oxidative stress: Pollutants generate free radicals, damaging brain cells and disrupting normal brain function.

What happens when someone gets stroke?

1. Increased blood pressure

2. Cardiovascular disease

3. Atherosclerosis

4. Cardiac arrhythmias

Prevention and Mitigation:

1. Reduce outdoor activities during peak pollution hours.

2. Use air purifiers indoors.

3. Support policies promoting cleaner energy and transportation.

4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle (regular exercise, balanced diet, stress management).

MINAHILL ADNAN