Introduction
» They can trigger events such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and non-fatal myocardial infarctions. » Long term exposure can lead to the development of respiratory disease and CVD. » Early exposure to air pollution can damage the lungs, and increase the risk of lung infections that may be fatal. » Some pollutants, when breathed in by the mother, can cross through the placenta to the developing baby. Particulates and heavy metals are two such examples. » Air pollution can affect growth of the unborn baby and may be linked to premature birth. » There may be additional effects on growth, intelligence, onset of asthma, and development of the brain and coordination. It should be noted that air pollution affects all members of society, and not just those with pre-existing respiratory diseases. However, air pollution has a disproportionate impact on the young and the old, the sick and the poor [7], and pregnant women [8]. Energy poverty is a key driver of the combustion of low-quality solid fuels, such as coal and wood for domestic heating [9, 10]. This leads to high exposure of the low-income population to particulate matter and PAHs from both indoor and outdoor sources.
Irritation of eyes, nose and throat Breathing problems (O 3 , PM, NO 2 , SO 2 , BaP)
Headache and anxiety (SO 2 ) Impacts on the central nervous system (PM)
Impacts on the respiratory system: Irritation, inflammation and infections Asthma and reduced lung function Chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (PM) Lung cancer (PM, BaP)
Cardiovascular diseases (PM, O 3 , SO 2 )
Impacts on liver, spleen and blood (NO 2 )
Impacts on the reproductive system (PM)
Figure 1.2
Summary of Health Impacts of Air Pollution: (Source: Reference [3a])
1.5.1 Air Pollution and Disease There is growing evidence that air quality is a risk factor in the development and exacerbation of disease. Recent research in Ireland, led by researchers from the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, has linked short-term exposure to air pollution with an increased prevalence of brain stroke. During winter the fine particles from burning of coal and wood leads to the suspension of dust particles in the air. Researchers found that there was a statistically significant rise in the number of hospitalisations for strokes in zero to two days after a rise in air pollution in the greater Dublin area [11]. The researchers also found that higher levels of nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide were associated with a 3.5% higher risk of stroke. Higher levels of coarse particles correlated with a 3.2% higher risk, and finer particles correlated with a 2.4% higher risk.
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