Human Health
Air pollution can sometimes make people sick, or cause long-term illness, particularly those most sensitive to pollution, such as children and the elderly. Most of the main air pollutants can be harmful to health.
Particulates in air pollution are one of the main causes of health problems. In towns and cities, these are released mainly from diesel engines in cars and trucks. When we breathe in air pollution, the very fine particulates can easily enter our lungs, where they can cause breathing problems, and over time even lead to cancer. Ozone that forms near to the ground can also damage our lungs and throats. If you have asthma then the symptoms may be even more severe. Carbon monoxide, from transport, cigarette smoke and faulty gas fires, affects the blood and is especially dangerous to pregnant women and their unborn babies. The babies may be born with brain damage.
Even though lead in petrol has been reduced, there may still be health problems for people living in cities or near to busy roads. Lead can cause damage to organs in the body such as the kidneys, heart and brain. Children are more sensitive to the effects of lead pollution than adults, and a child's intelligence may be affected.
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