Air Pollution and Health

Key points

• • Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the air, from vehicles, industry, the burning of fuel and natural sources, and it harms health worldwide.
• • Major outdoor pollutants include fine particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and ground-level ozone.
• • Fine particulate matter (very small particles) is the most harmful because it reaches deep into the lungs and drives inflammation there and throughout the body, worsening lung and heart disease.
• • Indoor air pollution, mainly from burning wood, dung or coal for cooking in poorly ventilated homes, is a major cause of lung disease in women and children.
• • Short-term high pollution triggers attacks of asthma and worsens heart and lung disease, while long-term exposure raises the risk of chronic disease and cancer.
• • Control includes cleaner fuels and vehicles, controlling industrial emissions, and better ventilation and cleaner stoves in homes.