Air pollution has many components, including such toxic chemicals as vinyl chloride and benzene, both of which have been found to cause birth defects, cancer, long-term lung injuries, nerve problems and brain damage. Get a strong enough dose, and the chemicals can even kill.
Pollution works against health -- even indirectly. Some pollutants can thin the ozone layer, leading to an increase in skin cancer and cataracts, and can lead to acid rain and ground-level ozone that damages trees, wildlife, crops and lakes.
Hidden Dangers of Pollution
Pollution is generally not dangerous. But underlying conditions can be exacerbated by pollution and create life-threatening problems.
Here are four breathing disorders affected by air pollution:
1) Asthma: Wheezing may increase as you’re exposed to more irritants.
2) COPD: Because you already have breathing difficulties, major organs may struggle to compete with the new burdens.
3) Emphysema: Another breathing issue that may be exacerbated by pollution and particle counts, emphysema suffers could have severe attacks under certain conditions.
4) Chronic Bronchitis: Because you are already susceptible to this lung disease, the pollution conditions gradually may make you feel worse.