What kind of health problems can air pollution cause?
Humans breathe in about 2,000 gallons of air each day so it is no wonder that air pollution can have negative health effects! While they may vary depending on the type of pollution, there are many common, and sometimes deadly, health problems caused by air pollution. Breathing in polluted air can have immediate effects, including: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. More seriously, spikes in air pollution levels can trigger chest pain, lung infections, asthma attacks, strokes and heart attacks. Being around air pollution for a long time can be even more harmful, raising the risk for many serious diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease and asthma.