A study published in The BMJ showed that “conditionally clean” air can also be dangerous. Let's figure out how to alleviate its negative impact on health.
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In recent years, air pollution has decreased in developed countries. Some positive changes have been noted in Russia as well. For example, in 2019, the number of air samples near highways in which maximum permissible concentrations of harmful substances were exceeded was 2.29 times less than in 2012. The air is also becoming cleaner in some industrial cities.
However, some studies have shown that harmful substances suspended in the air can affect health even in concentrations that are considered acceptable. The authors of a new scientific paper assessed their danger to life.
Scientists analyzed data from eight studies conducted in six European countries, which covered about 325,000 people. Participants were followed for almost 20 years.
The analysis confirmed that the higher the concentrations of fine particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide in the air, the greater the risk of death:
- An increase in the concentration of PM2.5 particles by 5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) was associated with a 13% increase in the risk of death;
- nitrogen dioxide by 10 µg/m3 – by 8.6%.
Moreover, the association of these substances with the risk of death was significant even at very low concentrations, which are acceptable by WHO and developed countries. Without exceeding guidelines, a 5 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 particle concentration was associated with an almost 30% increase in the risk of death. The likelihood of death in people who inhaled nitrogen dioxide in acceptable doses increased by 10% for every 10 µg/m3 increase in nitrogen dioxide concentration.
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The authors wrote in the conclusions of the paper: “Our study contributes to the evidence base linking ambient air pollution with mortality even at levels below current European, North American and WHO standards.” They said this was important data for reconsidering current standards.
How to Reduce the Health Impact of Air Pollution
- If you know for sure that air pollution exceeds permissible levels, you can use N95 respirators. Before doing this, you need to learn how to use them correctly.
- Use a bicycle or walk more often. At the same time, try to bypass or go around major roads and other sources of pollution. Using maps that show the state of the air in the city in real time will make this task easier.
- When using a car, you need to close the windows and use a ventilation system with filtration.
- Physical activity counteracts the effects of dirty air. When exercising outdoors, it is best to do it as far away from sources of pollution as possible.
- At home, use gas or electric stoves for cooking. The kitchen should be well ventilated.
- Air purifiers with HEPA filters can be used for rooms. This recommendation is relevant for people who are particularly susceptible to the effects of dirty air.
- Existing respiratory diseases should be kept under control (take medications on time, get vaccinated against the flu, etc.).
- To alleviate the effects of dirty air on the lungs and heart, it is necessary to take preventive measures, such as maintaining a normal weight and physical activity, and not smoking.
- The diet should be balanced, containing fruits and vegetables.
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