Fine particles in air pollution — A global health menace
How air pollution damages the body through oxidative stress and chronic inflammation Air pollution has become one of the world’s major public-health challenges. The health threat is so significant that the World Health Organisation (WHO) continues to devote considerable attention to its prevention and control. Unfortunately, many people remain unaware of the wide-ranging health consequences … The…
Fine particles in air pollution present a significant global health menace. The World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies air pollution as the second leading risk factor for mortality, ahead of tobacco smoke and dietary risks. Particulate-matter-attributable air pollution caused approximately 6.6 million deaths in 2021, including those associated with heart disease, stroke, COPD, infections, diabetes, and cancer. Non-communicable diseases account for nearly 84% of total deaths linked to air pollution.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are crucial for cellular functions, but excessive ROS production due to fine particle exposure can overwhelm antioxidant defences, leading to oxidative stress. This imbalance can damage cell membranes, proteins, cellular signalling, and DNA, contributing to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions.
Fine particles can bypass the body's natural filtering mechanisms, penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the bloodstream, affecting organs and systems throughout the body.
Written by urgent.news from Ghanaian Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
