4. Air Pollution: The Constant Menace
Air pollution is like the ‘second-hand smoke’ of the environment, an invisible cloud of toxins that most of us can’t escape. Urban residents are particularly at risk, with vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and even natural events like wildfires contributing to poor air quality.
Ozone and fine particulate matter (commonly known as PM2.5) are the main pollutants of concern. While ozone high in the atmosphere protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays, at ground level, it can irritate lung tissue and cause other health problems. Fine particulate matter, on the other hand, can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.
Studies have found that long-term exposure to air pollution can be as bad for your lungs as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day for many years. One fascinating aspect is that the risk isn’t uniform; factors like your age, pre-existing health conditions, and even your genes can influence how much air pollution impacts you.
Emerging evidence suggests that air pollution doesn’t just harm your lungs; it may also contribute to the development of lung cancer. Researchers have identified certain genes that make some individuals more susceptible to the carcinogenic effects of air pollution.(4)
