Question 1

how can air pollution effect health? what are the health effects of air pollution?

Accepted Answer

There : There are many different chemicals and aerosolized pollutants that have the potential to cause harm as they are readily absorbed into the body via the respiratory tract. Increased fine particulate pollution has been associated with an increased risk of developing heart attacks as well as respiratory disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd). Carcinogenic air pollutants, arising from exposure to secondhand smoking, also confers an overall increased risk of developing lung, breast and renal cell cancer. Some volatile organic compounds such as benzene and toluene are also important outdoor air pollutants arising from industrial areas, and these substances are thought to contribute to the development of leukemia. Finally, exposure to gaseous pollutants such as sulfur and nitrogen oxides have been linked to the development of lower respiratory tract infections and pneumonia, especially in children.

Question 2

what are the health effects of indoor air pollution?

Accepted Answer

Infection: Mrsa a deadly bug and molds that can cause pneumonia. E. Coli infection as well.

Question 3

i am travelling to beijing. what can i do to protect against the effects of air pollution?

Accepted Answer

Airpocalypse: Air quality throughout se asia continues to worsen dramatically. 3.2 million people calculated to have died prematurely in 2010 due to effects of outdoor air pollution/poisoning. Beijing is on pace for its worst year ever; at times you can see less than 200 feet in front of you. Try: 
n95 industrial mask
no heavy exercise
extra fluids
fresh fruit/ vegetables as anti cancer strategy
limit stay.

Question 4

what are the health effects of air pollution and water pollution on children?

Accepted Answer

Research ongoing: there have been any studies over the past decade looking at effects of pollution on children. Some studies have looked at associations between pollution exposure in-utero and after birth with asthma, development, school performance, as well as many others. While nothing is 100% certain, it is better to have less exposure to pollution than more exposure.

Question 5

are there any health supplements that help to combat the harmful effects of air pollution?

Accepted Answer

No: Adequate amounts of vitamin a are important for mucosal health but will not antagonize the effect of pollutants.

Question 6

looking for air pollution level data?

Accepted Answer

EPA.gov: The following site is a good starting point.
http://www.epa.gov/.

Question 7

how can air pollution affect our health?

Accepted Answer

Increases many risks: It is estimated 3 million people die prematurely each year from outdoor air pollution and indoor air pollution also kills many. Air pollution increases risk of lung disease, heart disease, strokes and cancer. While most of these effects occur over time, bad pollution can cause acute deaths from asthma. See http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs313/en/
and http://tinyurl.com/y8fhtocm

Question 8

what health problems are related to air pollution?

Accepted Answer

Breathing problems: The biggest problems from air pollution are respiratory in nature. It can cause asthma attacks and make it more difficult for people with COPD to breathe as well. Humidity also has an affect on breathing.

Question 9

what effect, if any, does exercising in air pollution have?

Accepted Answer

Worsen lung problems: Air pollution or poor air quality can affect lung health and exacerbate any lung conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease. There is no strong scientific evidence for anything like the development of cancer or anything like that.

Question 10

do you think the world should strive for no air pollution someday?

Accepted Answer

Not likely: That's not a question rightly posed to a medical forum, as it is best discussed under a political or environmental group. However, every doctor would want there to be no pollution for the betterment of the health of their patients and families.

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Doctor answers about:

Air pollution effects

A member asked:

How can air pollution effect health? what are the health effects of air pollution?

A member asked:

What are the health effects of indoor air pollution?

A member asked:

I am travelling to beijing. what can i do to protect against the effects of air pollution?

A member asked:

What are the health effects of air pollution and water pollution on children?

A member asked:

Are there any health supplements that help to combat the harmful effects of air pollution?

A member asked:

Looking for air pollution level data?

A member asked:

How can air pollution affect our health?

A member asked:

What health problems are related to air pollution?

A member asked:

What effect, if any, does exercising in air pollution have?

A member asked:

Do you think the world should strive for no air pollution someday?

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