Air pollution isn’t just about dirty skies—it’s a silent, daily assault on your lungs. Whether you live near a busy road, industrial area, or simply in a city with traffic, polluted air can damage your respiratory system, trigger lung conditions, and even increase your risk of lung cancer.
Here’s a quick look at how air pollution impacts your lung health, who’s most at risk, and the types of pollutants you should know about.
What Is Air Pollution?
Air pollution refers to harmful substances in the air that make it toxic to breathe. These pollutants can affect not only the lungs but also the heart, brain, and other organs.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Some people are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, even on days with low levels:
- Children: Their developing lungs and faster breathing rates make them more susceptible.
- Older adults: Especially those with heart or lung conditions.
- Pregnant women: Air pollution can affect fetal development and raise the baby’s risk of asthma.
- People with lung conditions: Such as asthma or COPD, who may experience worsened symptoms or more frequent flare-ups.
How Air Pollution Affects the Lungs
- Irritates airways and worsens existing conditions like asthma and COPD.
- Triggers flare-ups and increases hospital admissions.
- Reduces lung capacity and makes breathing more difficult.
- Increases the risk of infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.
- Linked to lung cancer, especially due to fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
Common symptoms include coughing, breathlessness, wheezing, throat irritation, and increased use of inhalers.
Air pollution affects everyone, but especially those with vulnerable lungs. It’s important to monitor pollution levels, avoid outdoor activity when levels are high, and always keep medications handy if you have a lung condition.
Reference:
- Air pollution effects on your lungs, including lung cancer, available at: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/air-pollution/your-lungs, accessed on 13th June 2025.
- Ambient (outdoor) air pollution, Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health, accessed on 13th June 2025.