The Air Quality Index (AQI), which measures air pollution levels, is a vital tool for assessing health risks associated with poor air quality. Understanding how “poor” and “severe” AQI levels can worsen lung conditions is crucial for safeguarding vulnerable groups.
Respiratory illnesses, including asthma and lung cancer, are on the rise. Notably, lung cancer now affects smokers and non-smokers alike, with 8% of cases occurring in young adults in their 30s and 40% of cases reported in women. Rural populations face heightened risks due to exposure to biomass fuel. Despite advancements like low-dose CT scans for early detection, late diagnosis remains common, particularly in cases linked to smoking.
AQI and Respiratory Health:
“Poor” AQI levels generally indicate unhealthy air for sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. “Severe” AQI levels, on the other hand, signal hazardous air quality for everyone, posing significant health risks even to healthy individuals. For those with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD, asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer, these AQI levels can worsen symptoms such as persistent coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure to high pollution can also lead to long-term health issues, including decreased lung function and an increased reliance on medical treatments like oxygen therapy or hospitalization.
Specific Pollutants and Their Effects
- Particulate Matter (PM2.5): These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and damage to lung tissue. PM2.5 exposure is associated with increased respiratory symptoms, reduced lung function, and cardiovascular issues.
- Ozone: Formed when sunlight reacts with pollutants from vehicles and industrial emissions, ozone irritates the airways and can trigger asthma attacks. It can also exacerbate COPD and other lung diseases.
- Nitrogen Dioxide: Primarily produced by vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, nitrogen dioxide inflames the airways and heightens the risk of respiratory infections.
Protecting Vulnerable Populations
When air pollution levels exceed 400 on the Air Quality Index (AQI), they fall into the “severe” category, posing significant health risks to vulnerable groups such as children, adults, pregnant women, and the elderly.
- Children: Developing lungs are especially sensitive to pollutants, which can impair lung function and stunt lung growth. Exposure to pollutants can trigger asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections, as well as weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of colds, flu, and long-term lung diseases. Additionally, air pollution can impact brain development, leading to memory and learning difficulties.
- Adults: Exposure to pollution increases the risk of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) enters the bloodstream, raising the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. Prolonged exposure also significantly elevates the risk of lung cancer, while causing a decline in stamina, endurance, and daily activity due to breathing difficulties.
- Pregnant Women: High levels of air pollution can restrict fetal growth and increase the risk of premature delivery. Pollutants may interfere with normal fetal development, leading to congenital defects. Elevated AQI levels are associated with worsening asthma, fatigue, and a higher risk of preeclampsia.
- Elderly: Pollution exacerbates chronic conditions such as COPD, asthma, and heart disease. Older adults are more susceptible to strokes and heart attacks, and there is an increased risk of pneumonia and bronchitis due to weakened immunity. Air pollution has also been linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
In addition to wearing masks or using air filters, it’s important to manage underlying conditions with medication, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lifestyle adjustments.
