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The world is getting destroyed every day by human activity. It is being damaged by
toxic pollutants released by cars and burning of fossil fuels. Because of toxic pollutants
such as methane and carbon dioxide released by these activities, human health is being
affected. These contaminants affect the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, and
First of all, air pollution is affecting the respiratory system of the human population.
Toxic pollutants attach to the airways in the respiratory system producing symptoms such
as nose and throat irritation. According to Kampa and Castanas (2008), "chronic exposure
to toxic pollutants reduces lung function generating asthma, emphysema and even lung
cancer." Not only harmful pollutants are attaching to the airways and producing an adverse
effect on humans’ health, but it is also affecting the body’s ability to transport oxygen
The cardiovascular system and its ability to transport oxygen to the whole body is
being reduced. Toxic pollutants such as carbon monoxide and heavy metals are binding to
hemoglobin reducing its capacity to transfer oxygen making this the second effect of air
pollution. This reduced amount of oxygen in the blood can lead to blood clotting and
obstruction of blood vessels and finally leading to diseases such as anemia and high blood
pressure. Most of this diseases are present in adults, but it is also being transmitted to
The third effect of toxic pollutants is on the development of the fetus. Children
complications because their parents were affected by air pollution, but not only is
Effects of air pollution on human health 3
complicated. Because the mothers of these children are being exposed to high levels of
toxic pollutants such as heavy metals and lead, there is a higher risk of spontaneous
cardiovascular system, and pregnancies. Due to the increasing awareness of this health
issues, people and governments are trying to make a change in their ways of living.
Companies are creating cars that do not use the combustion of fossil fuels, and people are
opting for public transportation, so there is a decrease in the number of vehicles used. Also,
governments are changing rules and encouraging less damaging ways of creating power.
These replacements can diminish the negative impacts of fossil fuels on the environment
and by doing these decreasing health risks and extending the life expectancy of humans.
Effects of air pollution on human health 4
References
Kampa, M., & Castanas, E. (2008). Human health effects of air pollution, In Environmental