She Strengthens

The Hidden Dangers of Air Pollution

A Lethal Legacy

We’ve made significant strides in reducing air pollution since the devastating Great Smog of London in 1952, but the battle is far from won. Despite progress, air pollution remains a major health threat, claiming millions of lives worldwide. The main culprits? Fossil fuel-burning power plants and vehicles, which spew toxic gases and particulate matter into our air.

The Toxic Duo

Two pollutants pose the greatest risk to our health: ground-level ozone and particulate matter. Ozone irritates the lungs, leading to asthma and other respiratory problems. Particulate matter, carrying contaminants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), can cause oxidative damage, autoimmune disorders, and inflammation, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, strokes, and neurodegenerative diseases.

The Far-Reaching Consequences

Exposure to air pollution has been linked to a range of health problems, from reduced IQ and ADHD symptoms in children to obesity and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. While genetics, nutrition, and immune status also play a role, air pollution is a significant contributor to these health issues.

Taking Control

So, what can you do to protect yourself?

• Check air quality indexes and avoid exercising outdoors on bad air days
• Exercise in parks instead of busy streets, and avoid rush hour
• Keep your home air clean by using ventilation, avoiding open grilling and wood-burning fires, and investing in a HEPA filter
• Adopt some house plants to purify the air
• Eat a diet rich in micronutrients to offset oxidative damage
• Choose clean energy and support fossil fuel alternatives
• Get active in your community by advocating for clean air policies and regulations

A Collective Responsibility

While individual actions can make a difference, the real solution lies in government action and industry reform. By working together, we can create a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone. As Frederica Perera, professor of environmental health sciences, notes, “Advocating for clean air in one’s neighborhood, community—that can be very effective. You can help yourself and you can help others.”