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Pollution

REVIEWED_BY  dr. Rizal Fadli  
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is Pollution?

Pollution refers to the contamination of the atmosphere by any substance harmful to humans and other living organisms.

These harmful gases and particles in the air can come from a variety of sources, including vehicle exhaust, smoke from coal or gas combustion, and tobacco smoke.

If left unaddressed, air pollution can lead to a range of health issues from mild to severe and potentially life-threatening.

Causes of Pollution

Pollution arises from numerous sources. Some of the most common include:

1. Fossil Fuel Combustion

Fossil fuels emit harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide.
Sulfur dioxide is one of the leading contributors to air pollution, commonly released through the burning of coal, petroleum, and industrial fuels.

2. Motor Vehicles

Transportation is a major contributor to air pollution. Vehicles release hazardous emissions such as carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), both of which pollute the air and harm the environment.

3. Agricultural Activities

Agricultural processes, including ammonia emissions and the use of excessive pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers, can pollute the air.

Ammonia, a byproduct of agriculture, is among the most harmful atmospheric gases. Farmers often burn fields to prepare for the next planting cycle, which releases toxic pollutants into the air.

4. Factories and Industries

Industrial activity contributes to air pollution through the release of toxic gases and chemicals.

Manufacturing plants emit large quantities of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, organic compounds, and other harmful substances that degrade air quality.

5. Mining Operations

Mining activities release dust and chemicals into the air, leading to significant pollution.
Heavy machinery used to extract minerals from underground surfaces generates airborne pollutants during operation.

6. Household Sources

Domestic sources, such as chemical paints and overuse of air conditioners, also contribute to air pollution.
Cleaning products and paint supplies release dangerous chemicals into the air.
Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), originating from dust, combustion, and other sources, is another common pollutant.

Types of Air Pollutants

Pollutants are substances that cause air pollution and are categorized into:

  1. Primary Pollutants: These are directly emitted from sources like factories, and include gases such as sulfur dioxide.
  2. Secondary Pollutants: These form through chemical reactions involving primary pollutants. Smog, a mixture of smoke and fog, is a well-known example.

Health Effects of Air Pollution

Long-term exposure to air pollution can have serious health consequences, including:

  1. Lung Cancer: Pollutant particles can trigger cancer in lung tissue, disrupting oxygen absorption.
  2. Asthma Attacks: Pollutants such as carbon monoxide and ozone can cause asthma flare-ups. Small particles like dust and smoke can irritate the airways and lungs.
  3. Chronic Bronchitis: Vehicle exhaust gases can increase the risk of bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
  4. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is caused by long-term exposure to harmful gases or smoke.
  5. Pneumonia: Air pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide increase the risk of pneumonia, which may cause chest pain, coughing, and fever.
  6. Heart Disease: Tiny particles can travel through the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and arrhythmia.
  7. Mental Health Issues: Poor air quality may reduce serotonin levels and contribute to mood disorders like depression.
  8. Autoimmune Diseases: Pollution can trigger the immune system to attack healthy tissue, leading to inflammation and chronic illness.
  9. Pregnancy and Preterm Birth Complications: Air pollution during pregnancy raises the risk of low birth weight and preterm delivery. Expecting mothers should take immune-boosting vitamins to protect the fetus.
  10. Endocrine Disruption: Pollutants like phthalates and BPA can interfere with hormonal balance, causing various health problems.

How to Reduce Exposure to Air Pollution

To minimize exposure:

  • Use public transportation to reduce vehicle emissions.
  • Avoid walking near busy roads.
  • Refrain from exercising outdoors in polluted areas.
  • Stay indoors when air quality is poor.
  • Use air purifiers to filter out harmful particles.
  • Limit household chemical use.
  • Plant trees or small garden plants to absorb pollutants.

Indoors, ensure clean, well-ventilated environments. Mold, pollen, and dust can worsen respiratory problems.

Radon gas from uranium-rich soil can accumulate in homes and is a known lung cancer risk.

Use radon test kits or hire professionals for accurate detection.

Carbon monoxide detectors are also recommended for homes and workplaces.

If you suffer from respiratory issues due to pollution, contact a healthcare provider through Halodoc for early intervention and treatment.

Protect yourself from the harmful effects of air pollution by wearing medical-grade masks and taking immune-support supplements:

  • Onemed Non-Medical Masks (50 pcs): Comfortable ear loops, protects against dust and airborne particles.
  • Altamed Disposable Medical Masks (50 pcs): Designed to prevent exposure to air pollutants and disease transmission.
  • Bestmed Earloop 3-Ply Masks (50 pcs): Protects airways from smoke, dust, and other harmful particles.
  • Imboost Force (10 tablets): Contains echinacea, elderberry extract, and zinc to strengthen the immune system.
  • Blackmores Daily Immune C 500 (30 tablets): 500 mg of vitamin C for daily immune support.
  • Prove D3-1000 IU (10 tablets): Supports vitamin D needs, one softgel daily after meals.
  • Astria Force 6 mg (6 capsules): Contains astaxanthin for daily immune protection.
  • Halowell C 500 mg (30 tablets): Supports immune health, treats mouth ulcers and recovery post-illness.

If you’re experiencing breathing difficulties due to air pollution, consult our English-speaking doctor via Halodoc as soon as possible. 

With the Halodoc app, you can directly contact a doctor from your smartphone. Doctors are available 24 hours to answer your questions.

Now, you can also purchase 100% original and trusted health products from the Halodoc Health Store. No need to leave home, delivery in just 1 hour!

So, what are you waiting for? Download the Halodoc app on Play Store or App Store today!

References:
Medical News Today. Accessed in 2025. How Does Air Pollution Affect Our Health?
Vedantu. Accessed in 2025. Air Pollution Control.
WebMD. Accessed in 2025. Health Effects of Air Pollution.
World Health Organization (WHO). Accessed in 2025. Air Pollution.

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