How to Recognize the Effects of Air Pollution Exposure
The effects of air pollution can be difficult to recognize, especially when they stem from long-term exposure over months or years. Because these impacts often develop gradually, it’s important to understand the common signs and consequences associated with polluted air. Broadly, these effects fall into two categories: environmental effects and health effects.
Environmental Effects of Air Pollution
Air pollution influences ecosystems in numerous ways, many of which aren’t immediately visible. The type and severity of the impact depend largely on the specific pollutants present in the environment.
Sulfur
- Increases acidity levels in lakes and streams.
- Damages trees and degrades forest soils.
Atmospheric Nitrogen
- Reduces biodiversity within plant communities.
- Harms fish and other aquatic life.
Ground-Level Ozone
- Damages tree leaves and slows plant growth.
- Diminishes scenic views in protected natural areas.
Mercury and Other Heavy Metals
- Emissions from fuel combustion release mercury and similar pollutants into the air.
- These substances accumulate in plants and animals, including some consumed by people.
Source: EPA – Ecosystems and Air Quality
Health Effects of Air Pollution
Environmental contamination isn’t the only concern. Air pollution directly affects human health, and the level of risk varies based on several factors, including pre-existing vulnerability, the length and intensity of exposure, and the pollutant mixture present in the air.
Pre-Exisiting Vulnerability
Some groups of people are more susceptible to air pollution than others, including children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with existing heart or lung conditions.
Children
Children face higher risks becasue:
- They spend more time near the ground where dust and pollutants accumulate.
- Their brain’s protective barrier is still developing, and their nasal passages filter pollutants less effectively.
- Early-life exposures, during fetal development, infancy, and puberty, can have lasting effects on long-term growth and development.
Source: California Air Resources Board
Pregnant Women
Pregnancy increases sensitivity to air pollution due to physiological changes, including:
- A 20% rise in oxygen consumption.
- A 40–50% increase in ventilation rate.
- A 40% increase in cardiac output.
These changes mean pregnant women breathe more frequently and circulate more air, and therefore more pollutants, through their bodies.
Source: Air Pollution and Pregnancy
Older Adults
With age, the body becomes less capable of compensating for environmental stressors. As a result, air pollution can worsen:
- Heart disease and stroke.
- Lung conditions such as COPD and asthma.
- Diabetes
Individuals with Pre-Existing Conditions
People with heart or lung diseases are particularly vulnerable, as air pollution can exacerbate existing cardiovascular disease and accelerate disease progression. This puts them at a higher risk of experiencing cardiovascular events.
The Nature of Exposure
The nature of someone’s exposure to air pollution also plays a major role in determining the impact of that pollution. As mentioned earlier, the duration and intensity of the exposure, as well as the composition of the air during the exposure, are all contributing factors.
Brief exposures to elevated pollution levels can cause:
- Reduced lung function
- Respiratory function
- Worsened asthma symptoms
Chronic exposure increases the risk of diseases that develop slowly over time, including:
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- COPD
- Cancer
Health impacts from exposure to air pollution depend on the types and concentrations of pollutants in the air. Safe exposure levels vary by pollutant. In some cases, there is no known threshold below which adverse effects do not occur.
Air pollution affects far more than the air we breathe, it alters ecosystems, threatens wildlife, and poses serious risks to human health. While some consequences are immediate, many develop gradually over years of exposure, making awareness and prevention critically important. Understanding how different pollutants impact the environment, who is most vulnerable, and how exposure levels influence health outcomes empowers individuals and communities to take meaningful action.