What will Happen if the Level of Air Pollution Continues to Increase?
Air pollution is one of the biggest killers all over the world. survey published by Lancet Planetary Health concluded that unusually high rates of lower respiratory infections, heart diseases, stroke, diabetes, and lung cancer caused one in eight deaths. Not just outdoor, the poor condition also affects the indoor air quality. The presence of PM 2.5 and carbon dioxide build-up as a result of outdoor pollution can have a negative impact on your health. This is the reason why it is extremely important to take steps to curb the situation. Read on to find out the dangers of air pollution and future predictions on effects of not controlling indoor and outdoor air pollution.
Indoor Air Quality- Is it as Important as Outdoor Air Quality?
The indoor and outdoor air quality is closely related to each other. The outdoor pollutants penetrate the indoor air with the background air when you ventilate your home. If the concentration of indoor air pollutants is already high, it can further deteriorate the outdoor air quality. Numerous indoor air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, radon, asbestos, and biological allergens have 1000 times higher chances of reaching human lungs as compared to indoor air pollutants.
Consequences of Air Pollution
Air pollution has been a worldwide problem, which makes it important to know the possible consequences of uncontrolled pollution. Global warming is one of the serious concerns of all the environmentalists. Global warming or greenhouse effect is one of the reasons why the climate is warming up. As predicted by the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). There will be an increase in the average temperature of 1 degree Celsius by 2025 and 3 degrees Celsius by the end of the 21st Century.
Increase in greenhouse gases have increased as a result of rising population and industrialization. The stratospheric ozone layer, which filters out harmful ultraviolet rays, has depleted, thereby increasing the risk of skin cancer, eye cataracts. The depletion of the ozone layer also affects the immune system and harms aquatic system and crops.
Some of the harmful consequences of air pollution are:
- Prevents photosynthesis, which affects the air quality
- Acid rain,
- Depletion of ozone layer,
- Global Warming
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Allergies
- Asthma Attacks
- Bronchitis among kids
What is more Dangerous Indoor or Outdoor Air Pollution?
The indoor air is 10 times more polluted than the outdoor air. The indoor air pollutants are even more damaging than outdoor pollutants. The reason is constrained areas provide a more favourable environment for pollutant build-up as compared to the outdoor areas. Many people are unaware of the fact that indoor air pollution makes you look older as it has a detrimental effect on your skin. Prolonged exposure to indoor air pollutants weakens the immune system. It impairs your lungs, and also makes them more susceptible to infection and diseases.
So How can We Protect Ourselves?
An ‘alarming’ 7 million people around the world die every year as a result of air pollution. Not just outdoor, but also indoor air pollution affects health and well-being. The alarming statistics makes it necessary to take the right steps- to stay safe from both indoor and outdoor air pollution. Wearing N95/n99 masks, restricting outdoor activities for kids, detoxifying your body can help you stay protected from outdoor pollution.
When it comes to indoor air pollution, installing a HEPA air purifier can go a long way in protecting you from the ill-effects of indoor air pollution.