Highlights:
According to recent studies, air pollution increases the risk of respiratory illnesses and weakens the immune systems of many older persons.
Inhaled particles collect in immune cells in lymph nodes connected to the lungs, according to the study, which was published in Nature Medicine. The cells’ resistance to respiratory infections was decreased as a result. - Many older people's immune systems are weakened by air pollution
- Particles from airborne pollutants were clogged inside the lymph nodes due to which the immune cells are unable to carry out crucial tasks that protect us against viruses
Air Pollution - Pollutants - Health Effect - Efforts to Reduce
Nearly 2.4 million deaths every year are attributable to air pollution. Air pollutants may be solid particles, liquid droplets or gases. Proper planning methods should be adopted to reduce air pollution.
Nearly 2.4 million deaths every year are attributable to air pollution. Air pollutants may be solid particles, liquid droplets or gases. Proper planning methods should be adopted to reduce air pollution.
‘Elderly peoples’ immune systems are weakened by air pollution, which also causes the development of respiratory diseases in this population.’
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Immune System in Older Adults
Older adults’ weak immune systems have previously been associated with aging. Additionally, the COVID-19 epidemic brought home how vulnerable seniors are, with a death rate for those over 75 that is 80% higher than that of younger persons. Older folks are also disproportionately affected by the flu and other lung illnesses.Researchers examined 84 deceased donors’ tissue, ranging in age from 11 to 93. None of them smoked. “When we looked at people’s lymph nodes, we were struck by how many of the nodes in the lung appeared black in color, while those in the GI tract and other areas of the body were the typical beige color,” says Donna Farber, PhD, at Columbia University, who led the study.
Effect of Airborne Pollutants on Lymph Nodes
“The blackened lymph nodes were clogged with particles from airborne pollutants. These immune cells are simply choked with particulates and could not perform essential functions that help defend us against pathogens,” Farber said. “Pollution undoubtedly plays a role in creating more dangerous respiratory infections in elderly individuals and is another reason to continue the work in improving air quality.”
Breathing Dirty Air may Lead to Kidney Failure
Breathing in unclean air due to increasing air pollution could cause kidney damage with resultant kidney failure according to a recent epidemiologic study.
Breathing in unclean air due to increasing air pollution could cause kidney damage with resultant kidney failure according to a recent epidemiologic study.
Air Pollution Escalates Obesity Risk in Babies
Women exposed to increased levels of air pollution during pregnancy have babies who gain weight unusually fast in the first months after birth.
Women exposed to increased levels of air pollution during pregnancy have babies who gain weight unusually fast in the first months after birth.
Air Pollution may up Risk of Heart Attack in Non-Smokers
Does air pollution cause heart attack in non-smokers? Yes, breathing in dirty air can increase the risk of having myocardial infarction in non-smokers.
Does air pollution cause heart attack in non-smokers? Yes, breathing in dirty air can increase the risk of having myocardial infarction in non-smokers.
