Effects of Smog on Human Beings, Especially Vulnerable Celiac Patients
Over the past years, it has been noted that smog is both a health hazard and a social concern, affecting millions of people around the globe. It is known to have many adverse health effects, ranging from problems caused by breathing to chronic and severe conditions. In the case of some people suffering from autoimmune diseases like celiac disease, the effects can be threatening. Exposure to smog can aggravate the symptoms to the extent of suppressing the recovery processes in the already stressed patients, making their conditions even worse. In this blog post, we’ll focus on the effects of smog on health, particularly human beings who have celiac disease and why they are most affected, as well as the top 10 most smog-prone cities.
The Effects of Smog
on Human Health
Breathing Problems
There are many short-term effects of smog on health, but breathing
problems are among the most common. We are quite familiar with the terms NO2,
SO2, PM, and ground-level ozone, all of which are present in smog and are
regarded as dangerous. These pollutants react to the airway, causing ailments
such as asthma, bronchitis, and other upper respiratory illnesses. People who
live in regions where there is a lot of smog tend to develop breathing complications,
which are exacerbated during high smog seasons.
Cardiovascular
Issues
Smog poses a risk not only to the lungs but also to other internal
organs, such as the heart. Fine particulate matter can easily bypass the lungs
and make its way to the bloodstream. This can lead to increased blood pressure,
swollen arteries, and the possibility of stroke or heart disease, among other
risks. There is evidence based on clinical research that shows a causal
relationship between high levels of pollution and the occurrence of heart
attacks, particularly in older populations and individuals with underlying
health issues.
Effects on the
Immune System
There is evidence that air pollution affects the immune system. For
instance, when an individual is smogged in an urban area, there are chances for
him to develop several infections because the natural defense mechanisms of the
body have been compromised. The auto-immune disorders associated with celiac
disease often impair the patients’ ability to respond to infection, thus
rendering them prone to worse symptoms and infective complications, as well as
poorly treated underlying conditions.
Physiological and
psychological effects
Exposure to polluted air for an extended period has also been associated
with issues of the neuro-physiological and neuro-cognitive types. Toxic agents,
for example, PM2.5 Particulate Matter, are known to cross the blood-brain
barrier and hence lead to cognitive issues, loss of memory, and even
depression. Some researchers explain how the risks of exposure to environmental
pollutants can lead individuals to develop neurodegenerative diseases, for
example, Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Impacts for Celiac
and Gluten-Intolerant Individuals
Celiac disease and gluten intolerance patients usually have reduced
immunity due to their condition. There are studies that show the effect of smog
on patients, wherein some primary immune response gets lost in these
individuals. This added immune burden can promote the experience of extra heat
in the body and its associated symptoms, which includes worsening of illness
like celiac, which causes tiredness, depression, tummy pains, and migraines,
among other things.
Top 10 Cities with the Most Severe Smog
Pollution
Here is the list of the top 10 most smog-prone cities in the world. This
information is collected according to the air quality index (AQI), reports on
air pollution, and particulate matter levels. These urban centers include most
of Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and even South America, where pollution is
still a major risk to one’s health.
Note: The AQI values above represent average annual exposure and may
vary based on daily environmental conditions.
Public Health and Environmental Policy: The
Effect of Growing Air Pollution on Cities
Unplanned growth of urban population has its implications that come with
effects such as industrialization, urbanization, and an increase in the number
of vehicles on the roads resulting in increased smog over the years. This
phenomenon has been experienced in cities of both developed and developing
countries due to the external urban expansion. In the previous decade, there
has been a sustained increase in the number of days cities have been
categorized under high toxic air, indicated by high AQI ratings.
Increase in Smog Exposure Year after Year
Already in twenty years, statistics detect regular growth of pollution
levels in the atmosphere. Taking major cities like New Delhi and Beijing for
example, their annual average AQI levels increased by nearly five percent
annually over the years, which could be attributed to the upsurge of
population, enhanced level of industries, and laxity on environmental laws.
This has been evident in many other cities across the world, from Usain Bolt’s
Los Angeles to active and dangerous Lagos town. It is getting quite clear that
air quality systems will urgently need to be put in place.
How Does Smog Affect Human Health and Its Treatment?
I know very well that it is one of the problems. You know, citizens are
as healthy as the city smog-free and pollution-free that they live in. However,
there are several measures that all can adopt to keep safe and reduce health
impacts.
Air Quality Today’s Services: How to Keep Track of The Levels of Air
Pollution on A Daily Basis
Having such climatic conditions where the level of smog is high is not
easy. However, there are measures that one can take in order to protect himself
and reduce the health implications:
1. Health Conditioning
This is determining quality-related accidents as well as ACGIH TLV
concentration values for health-toxic proportions of air contaminants at the work
floor and in other areas of any facility.
2. Indoor Air Pollution Control by Filters
with the British Technology
Putting in place an air cleaner will also seek to lower the pollutant
concentration in one’s residence. Specific to using HEPA filters, the pollution
levels within one’s house increase significantly as they capture small
particles present in the air.
3. Use of Masks
Particular masks have proven less effective on occasions characterized
by high pollution levels and heavy traffic. Certain particulate filters, such
as N95, are highly recommended for use since they protect from fine dust that
may compromise the respiratory system.
4. Avoid Pollution Peaks
Refrain from unwarranted exposures by limiting outdoor activities during
the peak smog periods, which are usually in the mid-morning and early evening
hours when vehicular and industrial activities are at their peak. It is noted
that the foregoing intervention achieves the desired objective of minimizing
harmful air impact.
5. Immune Health
People who have celiac disease or are gluten intolerant, in other words,
need to take care about their immune barriers. Risk groups are suggested to
embrace the healthy, antioxidant-infused, gluten-free diet to mitigate the
adverse effects of pollution on their immune systems. For instance, leafy
vegetables, blueberries, and almond grains and quinoa foods assist the immune
system whilst offering critical nutrients.
6. Advocate for Cleaner Air Initiatives
Become active members or supporters of campaigns that advocate for a
reduction of air pollution within your locality. Education, as well as
concentration on the emission cutback strategies and the development of green
spaces, are among the long-lasting solutions to the smog problems.
Conclusion
The adverse effects of smog on health are severe and can be aggravated
in the case of monoclonal patients who suffer from celiac disease or gluten intolerance. While the air quality is declining in more and more cities around
the world, one needs to be educated and take measures preventing such
development, as well as propagating these changes for the sake of future
generations. Following these recommendations will help to lessen the adverse
effects of smog and, even in the presence of environmental problems, enable
individuals to lead more active and healthier lives.
Protecting your health from the adverse effects of smog doesn’t need to
be overwhelming. Stay informed, prioritize your well-being, and take proactive
steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of air
pollution. Together, we can make a positive difference in our communities and
work towards a cleaner, healthier world for all.