General Overview (Health):
Air pollution in China has profound impacts in terms of health to the citizens of China. Hazardous atmospheres in China causes many conditions and disease for people of all ages. Air pollution is, simply put, the leading cause of comprehensive health damage in the country of China [1]. Poor air quality leads to a myriad of chronic disease, that often develop slowly over time, leading to the dangerous misconception of the severity of poor air quality. Common health issues of air pollution include:
- Increased cases of asthma in individuals,
- Increased respiratory and cardiovascular mortality,
- Affects on unpredictability of heart rate variations and heart disease,
- Lung irritation and inflammation - changes and difficulties in breathing,
- Weakened immunity system,
- Premature deaths and infant mortality,
- Cancers - especially lung cancer [2].
References:
[1] Nielsen, C, Ho, M. (2010). Air Pollution and Health Damages in China.
[2] Pope, C, Burnett, R, Thun, M, Calle, E, Krewski, D, Thurston, G. (2002). Lung Cancer, Cardiopulmonary Mortality, and Long-Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Air Pollution. American Medical Association. 287 (9), 1132-1142
[2] Pope, C, Burnett, R, Thun, M, Calle, E, Krewski, D, Thurston, G. (2002). Lung Cancer, Cardiopulmonary Mortality, and Long-Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Air Pollution. American Medical Association. 287 (9), 1132-1142
