Pollution-Induced

Asthma

Biology 312-01

Amber Theriault

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic disorder that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow, leading to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. It is caused by an inflammation of the muscles of the throat, which tighten and limit the capacity of oxygen that the lungs can take in.

A variety of triggers can induce asthma, such as dust, pollen, and mold. However, presently there seems to be a significant correlation between individuals having asthma and rising air pollution caused by human industrial use. Hazardous aerosols produced by factories and vehicle-related pollutants, among others, play a critical role in asthma with current growing and developing industries.

Process of Attainment

A process where ultrafine particulates are inhaled, which through many steps of activating cells and genes or altering the functions of them lead to the inflammation of the cells. Inflammatory cell activation then creates an oxidative stress by not being able to purify the lung of the toxins and produce enough oxygen in return. Hence, an asthma attack is prone to take place.

Reducing the Risk

The transformation from the common use of these fuels to other options of energy is not necessarily an easy task. Therefore, many standards are being set to reduce the activity of factories across the world in order to moderate the amount of emissions.

Many industries are being moved farther from the more populated areas, electric stoves introduced for cooking, and cleaner fuels used for transportation.

Yet, problems ensue; a cleaner fuel does not mean there is no harmful particulate produced, many people cannot afford electric appliances in less-developed areas or of lower-economic status, and pollutant particles can travel far distances so they may reach populated regions. The awareness is on the rise as is the asthma incidence rate. The significance of the influence of air quality on the health and span of lives is a driving force to reduce pollution and create a healthier world.