Air Pollution - what it means for your health
How might air pollution affect me?
If your health is good, the levels of air pollution we usually experience in the UK are unlikely to have any serious short-term effects. But on the rare occasions when air pollution levels are high, some people may feel eye irritation, others may start to cough, and some may find that breathing deeply hurts.
People
with lung diseases or heart conditions are at greater risk, especially
if they are elderly. Daily changes in air pollution trigger increased
admissions to hospital and contribute to the premature death of those
who are seriously ill.
The table below describes how the health of people who are sensitive to air pollutants might be affected by pollution at the different levels or bands.
People with heart conditions or severe lung diseases (for example, chronic bronchitis or emphysema) might be more sensitive to changes in air pollution than the descriptions suggest.
Pollution band and numerical index |
Health effect |
|
1-3 (low) |
Effects are unlikely to be noticed, even by people who know they are sensitive to air pollutants |
|
4 - 6 (moderate) |
Mild effects are unlikely to require action, but sensitive people may notice them |
|
7 - 9 (high) |
Sensitive people may notice significant effects, and may have to act to reduce or avoid them (for example, by reducing time spent outdoors). Asthmatics will find that their reliever inhaler should reverse the effects of pollution on their lungs |
|
10 (very high) |
The effects of high levels of pollution on sensitive people may worsen when pollution becomes very high |
|
Sensitive individuals are people who suffer from heart and lung diseases, including asthma, particularly if they are elderly. |
|
The changes from band to band are not sudden steps. The effects of air pollutants on health increase gradually as air pollution levels rise.
It is important to look at the levels and bands in the light of personal experience. Some people - especially those who are sensitive to pollution - will learn from experience how air pollution affects them. Some may still notice the effects for several days after pollution levels have fallen to low or moderate levels.
The information service only provides information about the health effects of short-term exposure to certain air pollutants. Air pollution is also likely to affect health over the longer term. Understanding of the long-term health effects of exposure to air pollution is currently rather limited, but experts suggest that cutting long term exposure to fine particles by half could increase life expectancy by between 1 and 11 months on average. This is not as great as the effect of smoking on life expectancy (on average, non-smokers live 7 years longer than smokers).
Asthma
There is little evidence that air pollution itself causes asthma. Research is continuing on this subject. However, if you already have asthma, you may find that air pollution triggers an attack, although infections and allergens are more likely to do so.
If you suffer from lung diseases or a heart condition, you might like to follow the advice below.
HEALTH ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WITH LUNG DISORDERS AND OTHERS SENSITIVE TO AIR POLLUTIONIf you have asthma or another lung disease, your symptoms are unlikely to change when air pollution levels are 1 - 3 (low) or 4 - 6 (moderate). This applies whatever the time of year. However, your symptoms may get worse when air pollution reaches the 7 - 9 (high) or 10 (very high) bands, especially if you are elderly. If this happens, you may need to change your treatment in the usual way. If these steps don't help, consult your doctor. |
Heart Disease
HEALTH ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WITH HEART DISEASEIf you suffer from a heart condition and you notice a change in your symptoms, get medical advice as you normally would. Do not try to change your treatment yourself. |
Smoking
Smoking is likely to have a much more serious effect on your health than air pollution. Giving up smoking will reduce your risk of lung and heart disease considerably. It will also make you less vulnerable to the short-term effects of air pollution.
In winter
- If traffic fumes make breathing harder, avoid busy streets as much as you can.
- If you are elderly, stay indoors as much as possible and keep warm.
In
summer
- If you find it harder to breathe on hot sunny days, avoid energetic outdoor activities, especially in the afternoons when pollution levels tend to be higher.
- If your child has asthma, they should still be able to take part in games as normal, but they may need to use their reliever inhaler more before they start. They do not need to stay away from school.
The table below describes the health effects that sensitive individuals might experience at very high levels of these pollutants.
Pollutant |
Health effects at very high levels |
|
Nitrogen dioxide |
These gases irritate the airways of the lungs, increasing the symptoms of those suffering from lung diseases. |
|
Particles |
Fine particles can be carried deep into the lungs where they can cause inflammation and a worsening of heart and lung diseases. |
|
Carbon monoxide |
This gas prevents the normal transport of oxygen by the blood. This can lead to a significant reduction in the supply of oxygen to the heart, particularly in people suffering from heart disease. |
With the exception of carbon monoxide, very high levels of all these pollutants can irritate the lungs and cause inflammation. People with lung diseases, especially the elderly, may feel less well than usual. In some cases their symptoms may increase to such an extent that they need a change in treatment, or admission to hospital.
Page (HTML version) published 17 November 2002;
Page last modified
3 November, 2006