None of us want to inhale polluted air and thus keep running after keeping our house dust free. We have been continuously striving to lead a healthy life, but we need to know about all these pollutants, as they can cause serious health problems that may be deadly in the long run.
Let’s have a look at the top 15 common air pollutants that are harming you:
1. Formaldehyde
Found in waxed paper, facial tissue, paper bag, paper towel, synthetic fabrics, and plywood paneling, formaldehyde majorly affects your respiratory system. Exposure to this air pollutant causes irritation in the throat, mouth, and nose. Long exposure may lead to swelling in the lungs and larynx.
2. Trichloroethylene
This common air pollutant is found in ink, lacquer, paint, varnish, paint removers, and adhesives. Dizziness, headaches, vomiting, and nausea are common problems caused by trichloroethylene. In case of long-term exposure, it may also lead to dizziness leading to coma.
3. Benzene
Benzene is found in resin, lubricants, plastics, tobacco smoke, detergent, furniture wax, drugs, and glue. Eye irritation, drowsiness, dizziness, increased heart rate, and headache are common health issues caused by this air pollutant.
4. Xylene
This is the most common air pollutant found in rubber, leather, vehicle smoke emissions, and tobacco smoke. Short-term exposure causes irritation to the mouth and throat, headache, dizziness, and a confused state of mind. Long-term exposure may also lead to heart problems, kidney damage, liver damage, and even coma.
5. Ammonia
This is the most famous air pollutant that most of us know about. Boon for the plant kingdom, this substance is harmful when it comes to human exposure. Found in fertilizers, floor wax, window cleaners, and smelling salts, exposure to ammonia causes coughing, throat infections, and eye irritation.
6. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
NO2 is found in vehicle emissions and smoke released from factories. This gas causes major problems with high traffic. It causes cardiovascular and respiratory disorders if exposed for a long period of time.
7. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
A gas with an identifiable pungent smell, SO2 is produced by burning fuels in factories and industries. It causes irritation in the lining of the lungs, throat, and nose. It may even alleviate existing asthma and other cardiovascular disorders.
8. Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM)
This refers to the solid or liquid particles found in the air that cannot be seen through the naked eye. Exposure to SPM leads to irritation in the respiratory tract, which can cause asthma and the weakening of the cardiovascular system.
9. Radon
It’s a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is most commonly found in rocks and soil. In houses near mines, it can also be found in the water supply. If you live near one, get your water tested as soon as possible, as long-term exposure to radon may cause lung cancer.
10. Carbon Monoxide (CO)
CO is a product of unburnt carbon from vehicles, furnaces, coal stoves, and lanterns. It displaces the oxygen present in the blood and forms carboxyhemoglobin. It deprives your body of oxygen and causes harm to the heart, brain, and other vital organs.
11. Lead
This substance is found in pencils, glass items, and a few dishes where lead was used in the making. Lead damages the brain and the nervous system. It lowers understanding power and the ability of co-relation.
12. Pesticides
If you love gardening or are tired of pests making your home their happy place, you ought to come in contact with pesticides on a regular basis. Long-term exposure to pesticides may lead to an increased risk of cancer and may also damage your kidney and liver.
13. Ground Level Ozone
This is a gas found at the lower levels of the atmosphere, which is highly irritating and colorless. It can cause chest pain, throat infection, and congestion. If you suffer from bronchitis, asthma, or emphysema, it might worsen the conditions.
14. Asbestos
Asbestos may be found in insulation, floor tiles, dry walls, and ceilings. Exposure to it for a long period of time may cause asbestosis, lung disease, and pleural plaque.
15. Mold
These are kinds of fungi that grow in outdoor or indoor areas, usually in a moist environment. Some types are harmless, while there are others that might be dangerous. It may cause nasal stuffiness, throat, nose, and eye irritation. In the longer run, it may trigger asthma attacks as well.
These air pollutants have a major impact on our life. Also, we do understand that it is not really possible to give up on these things of importance in daily life. Instead, we must look for ways to help us fight these problems.
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