The Ailing EnvironmentCar Exhaust - Health Effects.ppt

The Ailing EnvironmentCar Exhaust - Health Effects Christine Walser Environment and Human Health Pathogens in car exhaust include: -Carbon Monoxide -Nitrogen Dioxide -Sulphur Dioxide -Particles such as PM-10 -Benzene -Formaldehyde -Polycyclic hydrocarbons The toxic chemicals in environmental air pollution causes the immune system to activate leukocytes and macrophages that produce tissue damage, including the cells that line human blood vessels Repetitive exposure to toxic chemicals makes it difficult for the lining cells to release endothelial-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) which relaxes the smooth muscle in blood vessel walls. Interference of EDRF causes systemic hypertension Leukocytes on the endothelium’s surface can promote atherosclerotic disease These combined effects lead to hypertension and ischemic heart disease. Air pollutant can enter the respiratory tract as a volatile gas (ozone, benzene), liquid droplets (sulfuric acid, nitrogen dioxide), particulate matter (components of diesel exhaust, aromatic hydrocarbons). When these pollutant enter the immune system, it can cause responses such as overactive immune responses or immunosuppression. Disorders caused by pollutants in the respiratory system: -immunosuppression: exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons -hypersensitivity reactions- exposure to toluene diisocyanate or other chemicals Solution Air pollution prevention is the best solution for immediate reduction of harmful effects of environmental toxins. Public support is necessary to reduce environmental air pollution. Governments can encourage the reduction of vehicular use by: Promoting Voluntary abstention Increased Public Transit Separate commercial and private traffic to increase efficient use of roads Stop building car-oriented roads and highways Replace 30% of the existing roads designed for cars with a variety of transportation options In cities, build more walking paths, bicycle routes and paths for small ele