Dr. Axel Eriksson explains how we pollute air every day and its effects on health
Air pollution basically means the atmosphere possesses substances that are harmful to our health and/or the environment. Of particular concern are small particles (nanometer to micrometer scale) which deposit in our respiratory systems and also alter clouds and climate in complex and not yet fully understood ways. The atmosphere has always had such small airborne particles but human activities have added many new ones. The new particles are added directly, especially from combustion sources, or indirectly via human caused changes in the chemistry of the atmosphere (these particles form in the air).
Dr. Axel Eriksson, an associate senior lecture and researcher at Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Lund University in Sweden says “millions (about seven million people to be exact according to WHO) die each year worldwide from air pollution; the societal costs are high and disproportionally paid by those with the least resources to bear them. Of course, there are regional differences but the pattern repeats; these problems tend to be worse for the socioeconomically disadvantaged, but no-one is free from exposure. Hearts and lungs are damaged, but we have much to learn about exactly how that happens and which particles cause worse problems than others. But it is clear solid fuel combustion and cars, especially…
