Another outcome of air pollution is secondary lung injury. Here, the airway tissues, which are laden with bio-activation enzymes, transform organic pollutants into reactive metabolites that bring about this damage.

How do these pollutants brought about by urbanization, damage the respiratory system? By-

• Breaking down the natural defense system
• Damaging and injuring lung tissue
• Directly sparking off asthma and allergies or worsening them
• Causing lung inflammation and decreased lung function
• Causing carcinomas e.g. Benzene is linked with lung cancer
• Causing fibrotic changes in lungs e.g. through inhaled particulate matter

The Role Of Global Warming In Respiratory Problems

Global warming offsets more droughts and heat waves, resulting in a greater number and severity of grass and forest fires. This in turn puts particles that stimulate asthma; a common enough respiratory problem, into the air.

Climate change which results from global warming lead to more wind, dust, and sandstorms, which increase noxious atmospheric particles, that people must inhale. This is not all. Other climate changes like longer summer-like seasons and relatively shorter winters, coupled with higher levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide lead to a substantial increase of organic air-borne irritants such as ragweed, mold, bacteria etc.

Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor air pollution can be as toxic as outdoor air pollution. Well-spaced, open and well- ventilated houses are very rare in urban centers. As people are spending more and more time indoors, poor indoor air quality has become an issue that cannot be compromised.

These pollutants are mainly of two kinds:-

• Biological Pollutants, such as mould, bacteria and dust mites. These breed in moist and poorly ventilated rooms. Ineffective filters in AC (air conditioner) ducts can allow accumulation of dust and fungi formation. Those allergic to these organisms can experience allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

• Chemical Pollutants: Gases and particles that come from combustion appliances, tobacco smoke, household and personal care products, various building materials and outdoor air.

1. Combustion appliances, such as gas stoves, fireplaces and furnaces produce carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and small airborne particles called 'particulate matter'.

2. Tobacco Smoke: Experts have identified more than 4000 chemical compounds, including nicotine, in second-hand smoke, which can offset and worsen breathing problems. Tobacco smoke is the most harmful and widespread known indoor air pollutant.

3. Building materials and Personal care products: Urbanization entails the greater use of modern household items like furniture, building materials, paint, wallpapers, cleaning products, glues etc. These along with some cosmetics emit gases into the air. This process is termed ‘off-gassing’. One such toxic gas formaldehyde, in high quantities can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and can worsen asthma symptoms in children and infants. Exposure to formaldehyde over long periods of time can also bring about allergic sensitivity in children and the elderly. An extreme case, cancer of the nose, has been linked to excessive formaldehyde exposure, too.

4. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These are chemicals released from diverse sources such as office equipment, cosmetics, aerosols, household products, furnishings, tobacco smoke, construction materials, automobile emissions, varnishes etc. Benzene is an example of a VOC, which can exacerbate respiratory problems.

How To Combat Respiratory Diseases

• Go ‘Green’: Undertaking eco-friendly activities that help curb air pollution and global warming
• Muzzle-Up: Try covering your nose and mouth with a cotton hanky while traveling through rush-hour traffic
• Enforcing No-Smoking zones
• Choosing Organic and Natural cleaning and personal care products
• Installing Carbon monoxide detectors in buildings
• Having buildings inspected for leaking lead and asbestos
• Choosing homes and schools away from industrial sites, highways and main roads
• Growing indoor plants: Plants do an excellent job in devouring toxic air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide. Try plants like Bamboo Palm, Philodendron, Dracaena, and Golden Pothos etc.
• Sunning and airing rooms to prevent dampness, mites and mould
• Strengthening the immune system with well-balanced meals and exercise
• Practicing Yoga and breathing exercises for cleansing and strengthening of lungs
• Preventive Medicine Ayurvedic medicines like ‘Chyvanprash’ are said to protect against respiratory ailments

Source-Medindia
ANN/M