Air pollution is an environmental health problem that affects many cities around the world. This is a major concern because the gases that are emitted into our atmosphere are toxic and pose great health risks to everyone. As health educator I am assigned to consult and assist a local community-clinic nurse, implement and plan a program that will address reducing exposure of the community, particularly children in the community, to air pollution and reducing the impact of air pollution on the community. I will describe the common health problems that are associated with indoor and outdoor air pollution in urban settings, the reason children are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollutants, and discuss ways to reduce the impact of air pollutants in the community.
Air pollutants can cause a number of health concerns both short-term and long-term issues. These health problems can be caused by both indoor and outdoor pollutants in an urban setting. Such as, secondhand smoke, mold, and nitrogen dioxide to name a few indoor pollutants and ozone, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and lead as outdoor pollutants. All these can cause a number of significant issues. Some short term effects are irritation to eyes, nose and throat, upper respiratory infections (bronchitis and pneumonia), headaches, nausea, and allergic reactions. Long-term health effects can include chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart disease, and even damage to the brain, nerves, liver, or kidneys. Extended exposure to air pollution affects the lungs of growing children and may aggravate or complicate medical conditions in the elderly. Another health risk caused by air pollution is the effects these pollutants make to our ozone layer. This causes the ozone layer to thin out and allow more harmful radiation from the sun effect our skin causing increases in skin cancer and cataracts. Pollution can also affect the environment around us; ultimately