Air pollution does not affect everyone in the same way. According to HealthDay, people with asthma, heart disease, or diabetes are more vulnerable. The same applies to children and older adults.
There is also a link between days with high pollution levels and an increase in hospital admissions for heart attacks and strokes, according to News in Health. Some types of pollution may also increase the risk of cancer.
Researchers are still working to understand why some people are more severely affected than others.
Sources of pollution
Although some harmful substances have been reduced through regulation, others remain a problem.
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Fine particles from traffic and industry can penetrate deep into the lungs.
Ozone, which forms in sunlight, can irritate the airways. Smoke from wildfires can also travel long distances and affect areas far from their source.
Indoors, pollution can come from sources such as gas appliances, dust, mold, and tobacco smoke, increasing overall exposure.
What can you do?
Air pollution can damage structures in the lungs and make breathing more difficult. Research is also ongoing into whether this damage can be reversed.
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At the same time, it is clear that almost everyone is exposed to polluted air at some point in their lives.
However, you can reduce your risk. This can be done, for example, by staying indoors on days with high pollution, ensuring proper ventilation, and using air filters at home.
Sources: HealthDay and News in Health.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.