Is the air clean where you live? Unfortunately, it probably isn’t.

Ninety-one percent of the global population lives in an area where the air quality does not meet the standards put in place by the World Health Organization.

As you can probably guess, frequent exposure to air pollution isn’t doing your health any favors. Just how bad are the effects of air pollution, though? Is it really something you need to worry about?

Read on to learn more about the nine worst effects of air pollution on human health and what you can do to minimize the damage.

1. Asthma Attacks

One of the most common health issues associated with air pollution (both indoor and outdoor) is the development of asthma. People who are regularly exposed to toxic air have an increased chance of developing this respiratory issue. 

A high level of pollution in the air in your neighborhood could affect its walkability score and make it harder for people to spend time outside without putting themselves at risk of experiencing an asthma attack.

2. Pregnancy Issues and Birth Defects

Exposure to air pollution has also been linked to a variety of issues that can affect pregnant women and the health of their babies before they’re even born.

For example, women who are exposed to high levels of air pollution during their pregnancies are more likely to experience miscarriages. They may also be more likely to give birth prematurely, and their children are more prone to developing asthma and autism spectrum disorder.

There’s a connection between low infant birth weight, infant mortality, and air pollution exposure, too. 

3. Respiratory Disorders

Asthma is perhaps the most common respiratory disorder associated with air pollution, but it’s definitely not the only one.

Folks who have to deal with air pollution on a daily basis are more likely to deal with disorders like issues like chronic bronchitis and more frequent respiratory infections.

Those who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (also known as COPD) may notice that their symptoms get worse when they’re exposed to air pollution regularly. Air pollution exposure also increases one’s risk of developing lung cancer.

4. Cardiovascular Disorders 

Your cardiovascular system also takes a hit when you’re constantly breathing in toxic air. Those who live in areas with high levels of air pollution are more likely to experience heart attacks and strokes than those who live in areas with cleaner air.

5. Developmental Issues

Air pollution affects children before they’re born, but it can also wreak havoc later on in their lives.

Exposure to air pollution increases the likelihood that a child will suffer from developmental issues. They may be slow to walk, talk, or reach other milestones, for example.

They may also experience learning disabilities and have a hard time keeping up in school. Some behavior problems may also be made worse by chronic air pollution exposure.

6. Weakened Immune System 

Folks who live in areas with high levels of air pollution tend to have weaker immune systems.

The constant air pollution exposure can lead to free radical damage and oxidative stress, which weakens the immune system and increases one’s chances of getting sick.

If you live in an area with a lot of air pollution, you may find that you pick up colds, the flu, and other illnesses more easily.

7. Degenerative Diseases

Some researchers have found that air pollution exposure can also have an impact on the likelihood that a person will develop degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

It’s unclear exactly why this is, but it may have to do with the amount of oxidative damage that is caused by pollutants in the air.

8. Decreased Stamina 

If you live somewhere with high concentrations of air pollution, you might notice that you fatigue more quickly and your stamina is lower.

You might notice this when you try to walk outside, run, or play sports.

You might also just find that your energy is lower, in general, and you have a hard time finding the motivation to go out and do those things in the first place.

9. Decreased Lifespan

Last, but certainly not least, air pollution exposure has been linked to a shorter lifespan.

That’s right. If you live in an area with a lot of air pollution, you may not live as long as someone who lives in a location with cleaner air. 

Researchers believe that the decrease in lifespan has to do with the number of health problems people who live in highly polluted areas tend to experience.

Avoiding the Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health

At this point, you’re probably desperate to learn more about steps you can take to protect yourself from the negative effects of air pollution.

There are a lot of protective measures you can put in place to guard your health and your family’s health, including the following:

• Use a high-quality air filter in your home
• Avoid smoking indoors and reduce your fireplace usage
• When you exercise outdoors, avoid doing so in highly trafficked areas
• Stay indoors on days when the air pollution is particularly severe
• Minimize your contributions to the pollution — drive less often, recycle, use less electricity, etc.

Make sure you’re prioritizing your health in other ways, too.

Managing your weight, reducing stress, getting plenty of sleep, and eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet are all steps that can help to combat the effects air pollution has on you.

Learn More Ways to Improve Your Health

The effects of air pollution on human health are pretty severe. The good news, though, is that there are lots of steps you can take to clean up the air in your area and minimize its negative health effects. 

Do you want to learn more about cleaning up your space to improve your health? Remember, focusing on the quality of the air inside your home is just as important as focusing on the quality outside.

Check out this article today to learn about ways your home could be making you sick. You’ll also learn more strategies on how to clean things up and keep yourself (and your family) healthy all year round.