Figure 25.7: The extensive use of asbestos in industrial (as pictured here, asbestos-covered
pipes in an oil-refining plant) and domestic environments in the past has left a potentially
very dangerous material in many localities. ( 12 )
Health Hazards of Air Pollution
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that 2.4 million people die each year from
causes directly related to air pollution, and 1.5 million of these deaths caused by indoor
sources. Onestudyhasshownastrongcorrelationbetweenpneumonia-relateddeathsandair
pollution caused by motor vehicles. Worldwide, there are more deaths linked to air pollution
per year than to car accidents. Research by WHO also shows that the greatest concentration
of particulate matter particles exists in countries with high poverty and population rates,
such as Egypt, Sudan, Mongolia, and Indonesia.
Direct causes of air-pollution related deaths include aggravated asthma, bronchitis, emphy-
sema, lung and heart diseases, and respiratory allergies. The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) estimates that a set of proposed changes in technology of diesel engines could
resulteachyearintheU.S.in12,000fewermortalities, 15,000fewerheartattacks, 6,000fewer
visits to the emergency room by children with asthma, and 8,900 fewer respiratory-related
admissions to the hospital.
Health effects caused by air pollution may range from subtle physiological and biochemical
changes to difficulties in breathing, wheezing, coughing, and aggravation of existing cardiac
and respiratory conditions. These conditions can result in increased use of medications,
visits to the doctor or emergency room, more admissions to the hospital, and premature
deaths. Individual reactions to air pollution depends on the type of pollutant, the degree of
exposure, and the individual’s medical condition.