Which health issues can be exacerbated by high levels of air pollution?

Which health issues can be exacerbated by high levels of air pollution?

• A. Digestive disorders and skin conditions
• B. Respiratory diseases and asthma
• C. Bone fractures and joint pain
• D. Vision impairments and dental issues

Answer: (B)

High levels of air pollution are linked to respiratory diseases and asthma primarily because airborne pollutants—such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxides—irritate the airways and lung tissue. When people are exposed to these pollutants, especially in urban areas, they may experience increased inflammation and aggravation of pre-existing conditions like asthma. Polluted air can also make healthy individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections and other diseases by compromising lung function. The direct correlation between air pollution and respiratory health is well-documented; for instance, long-term exposure to polluted air is associated with chronic conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and can worsen existing asthma symptoms, leading to more frequent attacks or hospitalizations. In contrast, the other options focus on health issues that do not have a strong, established connection to air pollution. Digestive disorders and skin conditions, bone fractures and joint pain, as well as vision impairments and dental issues, do not typically arise or worsen as a response to poor air quality in the same way that respiratory illnesses do. Thus, the significant impact of air pollution on respiratory health makes this answer the most accurate choice.

High levels of air pollution are linked to respiratory diseases and asthma primarily because airborne pollutants—such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxides—irritate the airways and lung tissue. When people are exposed to these pollutants, especially in urban areas, they may experience increased inflammation and aggravation of pre-existing conditions like asthma. Polluted air can also make healthy individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections and other diseases by compromising lung function.

The direct correlation between air pollution and respiratory health is well-documented; for instance, long-term exposure to polluted air is associated with chronic conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and can worsen existing asthma symptoms, leading to more frequent attacks or hospitalizations.

In contrast, the other options focus on health issues that do not have a strong, established connection to air pollution. Digestive disorders and skin conditions, bone fractures and joint pain, as well as vision impairments and dental issues, do not typically arise or worsen as a response to poor air quality in the same way that respiratory illnesses do. Thus, the significant impact of air pollution on respiratory health makes this answer the most accurate choice.