by Emily Jones –
Air pollution is the biggest environmental risk to human health in the UK. It causes 4.2 million deaths globally each year[1], but it isn’t all doom and gloom. There are government plans in place to reduce emissions and small changes we can all make to protect ourselves and tackle the problem from a local scale.
Polluting human activities include the burning of fossil fuels, mechanical and industrial processes, vehicle emissions and tobacco smoke[2]. These activities release polluting gases and particles into the atmosphere where weather systems disperse, chemically transform and transport them resulting in widespread impacts[3] – predominately impacts to our health.
Exhaust fumes from traffic. Image: Emmanuel Kwizera, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Research conducted by Anderson et al (2011) looks at the relationship or lack of relationship between particulate matter (PM) and health[2]. PM is a proxy indicator for pollution, it includes very small particles and liquid droplets containing metals, dust and acids, etc[1]. The article explores the links between PM and the health of the heart (cardiovascular), breathing (respiratory) and health of the brain (cerebrovascular). In their research, 2/3 of deaths caused by PM are due to cardiovascular diseases. Where PM has been high there has been an increase in respiratory symptoms, medication usage, respiratory-related hospitalizations and deaths, along with decreased lung function. The evidence connecting PM and cerebrovascular disease are less well-known, but there was an increased risk of stroke if the exposed patients already had diabetes – it’s probable that PM just makes at risk people even more vulnerable[2].
However, the Clean Air Strategy (2019) has set out plans to protect the nation’s health. For example, by securing clean growth and innovation, and to reduce emissions from transport/homes/farming/industry with leadership from all levels[4]. The 1970 Clean Air Act is designed to set limits on the main primary pollutants as well2. Other successful policies in place include increasing walking and cycling networks in cities, and increased use of renewable power sources such as wind, solar and hydropower[1]. There are also things you can do as an individual to reduce your vulnerability to air pollution.
Regular exercise reduces the occurrence and progression of cardiovascular diseases[5]. However, due to increased breathing when exercising and consequently inhaling more PM, you shouldn’t exercise outdoors at peak times of the day e.g. rush hour or days when air quality is particularly poor, especially if you are susceptible[2]. Furthermore, using ‘green’ corridors (walkable routes away from major roads) where possible, not only increase your physical activity but promote emission reductions. Diet is an important factor to consider; consuming more omega-3 fatty acids, reducing salt-intake and increasing intake of certain vitamins (such as vitamins C, E and B), can help reduce cardiovascular and respiratory impacts of PM5. Finally, education and small behavioural changes can result in better overall health[2].
To conclude, it is undeniable that air pollution has detrimental effects on human health – so with government strategies and individuals making small changes, we can make a huge impact on global air pollution.
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References
1 – World Health Organization (2018). Ambient (outdoor) air pollution. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health [Accessed 30/11/20]
2 – Anderson, J.O., Thundiyil, J.G. and Stolbach, A. (2012). Clearing the air: A Review of the Effects of Particulate Matter Air Pollution on Human Health. Journal of Medical Toxicology, 8(2), pp.166-175.
3 – Kinney, P.L. (2018) Interactions of Climate Change, Air pollution, and Human health. Current Environmental Health Reports, 5(1), pp.179-186.
4 – Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (2019). Clean Air Strategy. DEFRA. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/770715/clean-air-strategy-2019.pdf [Accessed 1/12/30]
5 – Giles, L.V., Barn, P., Künzli, N., Romieu, I., Mittleman, M.A., van Eeden, S., Allen, R., Carlsten, C., Stieb, D., Noonan, C. and Smargiassi, A. (2011) From Good Intentions to Proven Interventions: Effectiveness of Actions to Reduce the Health Impacts of Air Pollution. Environmental Health Perspectives, 119(1), pp.29-36.
6 – Public Health England (2018). Health matters: air pollution. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-matters-air-pollution/health-matters-air-pollution[Accessed 30/11/20]
