Air pollution and health

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1 Air pollution and health Dr. Amir Elahi Johri, MBBS, MPH, ACIEH, FRSPH Consultant

2 Air Pollution It is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter or biological materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or cause damage to natural environment or built environment, into the atmosphere

3 History > 4000 deaths 60 deaths 20 deaths

4 Sources of Air Toxicants Each year, millions of tons of toxic pollutants are released into the air from both natural and man-made sources

5 Major pollutants Pollutants Major sources Health effects Environmental effects SO 2 NO x PM Industrial processes, power plant exhaust Automobiles, Industrial processes, power plant exhaust Automobiles, Industrial processes Respiratory & CV Illnesses Respiratory & CV Illnesses Respiratory illnesses CO Automobiles Headaches, fatigues, especially in weak CV health Lead Ozone (ground level) VOCs Automobiles using leaded gasoline Automobiles, power plants, industries (Formed by the reaction of VOCs and No x ) Automobiles, Industrial processes Damage to nervous system Respiratory illnesses Eye, skin irritation; nausea; headaches; carcinogenic Precursor to acid rain, which damages water bodies, trees buildings Nitrogen deposition leading to over-fertilization and eutrophication Visibility Fish/animals Reduced crop production and forest growth: smog precursor Smog precursor

6 Smog formation

9 Ozone layer depletion

11 Indoor sources of contaminants Ref: US EPA

Pollutant Major Indoor Sources Potential Health Effects Asbestos Damaged or deteriorating insulation, fireproofing, and acoustical materials Asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other cancers

12 Pollutant Major Indoor Sources Potential Health Effects Asbestos Damaged or deteriorating insulation, fireproofing, and acoustical materials Asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other cancers Biological Agents (House Dust Mites, Animal Dander, Mold, Bacteria, Viruses) House dust; pets; bedding; poorly maintained air conditioners, humidifiers and dehumidifiers; wet or moist structures (e.g., due to plumbing leaks) Gas stoves, malfunctioning gas appliances, Carbon wood stoves, tobacco smoke, car or truck Monoxide (CO) exhaust from attached garages Allergic reactions; asthma symptoms; eye, nose, and throat irritation; humidifier fever, influenza, and other infectious diseases Headache; nausea; angina; difficulty concentrating; death at high concentrations Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Formaldehyde Cigarettes, cigars, and pipes Pressed wood products such as plywood and particleboard, furnishings; wallpaper; durable press fabrics; personal care products Respiratory irritation, bronchitis and pneumonia in children, emphysema, lung cancer, and heart disease Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headache; allergic reactions; cancer Lead Sanding or open-flame burning of lead paint; house dust Nerve and brain damage, particularly in children; anemia; kidney damage; cardiovascular effects; growth retardation

Pollutant Major Indoor Sources Potential Health Effects Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Gas stoves, malfunctioning gas appliances Eye, nose, and throat irritation; lung irritation and damage; increased

13 Pollutant Major Indoor Sources Potential Health Effects Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Gas stoves, malfunctioning gas appliances Eye, nose, and throat irritation; lung irritation and damage; increased respiratory infections in children Organic Chemicals Ozone (O3) Solvents, glues, cleaning agents, pesticides, paints, moth repellents, air fresheners, drycleaned clothing, and treated water Ozone-generating indoor air cleaners, hobbies involving soldering or welding Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; loss of coordination; damage to liver, kidney and brain; various types of cancer Respiratory tract (lung) irritation and inflammation, serious breathing difficulty including asthma, permanent lung damage Particulate Matter (PM) Cigarettes, wood stoves, fireplaces, cooking, vacuuming, burning candles and incense, products of reactions of ozone with fragrances Eye, nose and throat irritation; worsening of asthma; increased respiratory disease; lung cancer; cardiovascular disease; premature death Polybrominate d Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE) Flame retardants in foams in furniture and automobiles, electronic printed circuit boards, electronics casings, carpet backing, upholstery Disrupt thyroid hormones, may cause developmental deficits, may act as a reproductive toxin, and may cause cancer Radon Soil under buildings, some earth-derived construction materials, and groundwater Lung cancer

14 Controlling air pollution Legislation Pollution prevention or input control Prevents or reduces the severity of the problem Burn low sulphur coal, or use other fuels Remove nitrogen oxide during combustion Pollution cleanup or out put control Treats the symptoms Use tall smokestacks, scrubbers

15 Control of emissions from motor vehicles Rely more on mass transit, bicycles and walking Shift to less polluting automobile engines (hybrid models) Shift to less polluting fuels Improve fuel efficiency Raise annual registration fee on older, more polluting, gas guzzling cars Restrict driving in downtown areas

Indoor Air Quality. Child Health and the Environment in Aboriginal Communities. Safe Environments Programme HECS Alberta Region

Indoor Air Quality. Child Health and the Environment in Aboriginal Communities. Safe Environments Programme HECS Alberta Region Indoor Air Quality Child Health and the Environment in Aboriginal Communities Safe Environments Programme HECS Alberta Region by: Opel Vuzi, BSc. CPHI(C) Overview What is indoor air quality? Why is indoor