THE SILENT PANDEMIC: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF AIR POLLUTION ON HUMAN HEALTH
Keywords:
Keywords: Air pollution, particulate matter (PM2.5), cardiovascular disease, respiratory health, neurodegenerative disorders, environmental justice, oxidative stress, public health, maternal and child health, climate change.Abstract
Abstract: Air pollution is the world’s largest single environmental health risk,
contributing to approximately 7 million premature deaths annually. This article
provides a systematic review of the impact of air pollution on human health, focusing
on particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and
other toxic gases. The analysis covers the pathophysiology of exposure, including
oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, and details the clinical consequences for
the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, and reproductive systems.
Special attention is given to vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly,
pregnant women, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. The article also
discusses environmental justice issues, recent epidemiological findings, and evidence-
based mitigation strategies. The review concludes that while air pollution remains a
global health emergency, targeted policy interventions, technological innovation, and
public health measures can substantially reduce the burden of disease.
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