The level of air pollution in many big cities in Indonesia, especially in the capital Jakarta and its surroundings, is very worrying. Air pollution can have a negative impact on health, increasing the risk of lung disease and other health problems. In fact, there are claims that air pollution can cause cancer.
However, cancer is not the only disease or health problem that can be triggered by air pollution. Therefore, without proper preventive measures, we can be exposed to various diseases that are potentially dangerous to health. So, what health impacts can air pollution cause? This is the detailed explanation.
Diseases Caused by Air Pollution
Here are 5 types of diseases that can arise due to exposure to air pollution that you need to recognize:
1. Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI)
Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI) are one of the negative impacts of air pollution. RTI is not only caused by bacterial or viral infections in the body, but also by exposure to air pollution. Toxic substances such as carbon monoxide, particulates, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide are examples of air pollution components that can disrupt your respiratory system.
2. Bronchial Asthma
Asthma is one disease that can be triggered by air pollution. This is a serious problem because asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory tract that causes difficulty breathing, coughing and chest pain due to narrowing of the chest muscles.
3. Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a respiratory disorder caused by inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. Symptoms of bronchitis include a productive or dry cough. Air pollution can worsen this condition, although generally the main cause is a viral infection.
4. Wet Lungs (Pneumonia)
Pneumonia or pneumonia is an infectious disease that causes inflammation of the alveoli or air sacs in the lungs. This can be caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria. Symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. All ages, including children and the elderly, can be affected by this disease.
5. Heart Attack
Air pollution can also contribute to the risk of heart attack. New studies show that exposure to harmful pollutants can cause atherosclerosis, a condition that can result in narrowing of the blood vessels. Atherosclerosis inhibits the flow of blood, nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, increasing the risk of coronary heart disease, peripheral arteries and heart attack or stroke.
How to Prevent Diseases Caused by Air Pollution
Even though it looks fresh, the air you breathe every day can actually increase your risk of respiratory disease. Therefore, it is important not to take this situation lightly. Here are some ways to prevent diseases caused by air pollution:
- Use a mask to reduce the risk of pollution entering your respiratory system and lungs.
- Avoid activities in areas with unhealthy air quality.
- Adopt a clean and healthy lifestyle, including consuming nutritious food, getting enough rest, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding smoking.
- When driving, close the car windows and activate the air conditioning in air circulation mode.
- Avoid lighting sources of fire indoors.
- Consider placing plants or air purifying devices indoors to maintain air quality. With these steps, you can protect yourself from the harmful effects of air pollution.
That's it there are several health impacts that can arise as a result of air pollution that need to be watched out for now.
References:
https://www.allianz.co.id/explore/ini-5-jenis-penyakit-yang-bisa-muncul-akibat-polusi-udara.html
https://www.momsmoney.id/news/waspada-ini-5-jenis-penyakit-yang-bisa-muncul-akibat-polusi-udara-1
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