8 Effects of Air Pollution on Lung Health

Children exposed to air pollution may have slower lung growth. This can affect their lung function when they grow up.

Breathing polluted air increases the chances of getting lung infections, especially in kids.

Tiny particles in polluted air get trapped in your lungs. These particles move to lymph nodes in the lung, which are vital for immune function and capture harmful substances. Gradually, this can weaken the immune system.

Even healthy lungs can get irritated and swollen from air pollution. This can make breathing uncomfortable.

Long-term exposure to polluted air may irritate your airways and can cause emphysema, asthma episodes, coughing, wheezing, and chest pain. Emphysema

For patients with lung conditions like COPD or asthma, air pollution makes it even harder to breathe. It can lead to severe symptoms and hospital visits.

High pollution levels can exacerbate lung-related symptoms, including an asthma attack or a COPD flare-up in patients who are suffering from these diseases.

Tiny particles in polluted air can cause lung cancer. These particles come from things like vehicles, factories, and fires.

1. The Terrible 10: Air Pollution's Top 10 Health Risks [Internet]. American Lung Association. 2017. Available from: Click here
2. Study finds link between long-term exposure to air pollution and emphysema [Internet]. National Institutes of Health. 2019. Available from: Click here