Air pollution and its consequences for respiratory health: a literature review

Abstract

With growing concern about the harmful effects of air pollution on public health, it is necessary to investigate and quantify these effects in our environment. Air pollution generates a huge degradation in the quality of life of the population, causing a series of respiratory, cardiovascular and neoplastic diseases. Therefore, this study seeks to understand the consequences of air pollution on individual health, especially the health of the respiratory system. To conduct this research, a systematic literature review was carried out. The bibliographic research was conducted in recognized scientific databases, such as PubMed, Scielo, and national and international environmental and health journals specializing in respiratory health. Some studies have demonstrated the existence of an association between air pollution and respiratory diseases, even when average levels of pollutants in the air are not so high. These effects have been observed both in general mortality and in mortality from specific causes such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. It is urgent to seek productive activities that are sustainable and can balance environmental care with economic and social development.