BHE314 Module 2 SLP

Running Head: BHE314 MODULE 2 SLP
BHE314 Module 2 SLP[name of the writer]
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Abstract
Air pollution is one the most common factors leading to environmental degradation across the globe today. Not only is air pollution regarded to be responsible for ozone depletion and other environmental challenges, it is also increasingly blamed for an increase in health related issues, especially in the urban settings. Urban regions are generally exposed to higher rates and risks of air pollution; both indoors and outdoors. This is largely because of the industrial activities carried out in these settings. The most vulnerable group to the potential risks of air pollution is largely seen to be that of children, for a variety of reasons. It is because of this that health authorities and agents design programs and chalk preventive measures to be implemented, especially to safeguard this group against air pollution.

BHE314 Module 2 SLP
Outdoor and Indoor Air Pollution: Health Risks
Air pollution threatens health throughout the world, especially in the urban settings. This is true for both indoor and outdoor settings. ‘Air pollution mainly damages the lungs and the airways, although injury to other organs may happen as well’ (Harte: 1991). Outdoor air pollution is associated largely with causing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including both, ‘acute and chronic respiratory diseases’ (Licari, Nemer & Tamburlini: 2005) as well as cancer and nervous system disorders. This is largely caused by the presence of sulphates, sulphur-dioxide, benzene, carcinogenic compounds and airborne lead in outdoor air. Other health problems found to be caused by outdoor air pollution include upper respiratory infections, for example, colds, influenza, sore throats etc. in addition, outdoor air pollution lowers the resistance of the human body to bacterial infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Phlegmatic coughs and emphysema are yet other common health risks associated with outdoor air pollution, in addition to fatigue, dizziness, headache and irritability of the eyes and throat.
In many cases, however, indoor air pollutants cause a higher health risk because a large proportion of time is spent indoors. Common health risks associated with indoor air pollution are hypersensitivity disease like hypersensitivity pneumontis, infections- where human tissues are invaded by pathogens and toxicoses and/or irritation, in addition, indoor air pollution is also responsible for causing airborne infectious diseases i.e. those that are ‘transmitted through the air’ (Tanner: 2006 ). An example of such an infectious disease is tuberculosis. Allergic reactions are also a common health problem caused by indoor air pollution. These range from rhinitis, urticaria, co...