Is pollution as bad as smoking?

New research finds that long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution may be as harmful to the lungs as smoking. Emphysema is considered a smoker’s disease. But it turns out, exposure to air pollution may lead to the same changes in the lung that give rise to emphysema.

How does air quality compare to smoking?

For the United States and Europe, air pollution is equivalent in detrimental health effects to smoking 0.4 to 1.6 cigarettes per day.

Why is it dangerous to live in polluted air?

Long-term exposure to polluted air can have permanent health effects such as: Accelerated aging of the lungs. Loss of lung capacity and decreased lung function. Development of diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and possibly cancer.

Is second hand smoke worse than air pollution?

“Smokers often express the view that outdoor air pollution is just as much a concern as secondhand smoke in their home,” said study author Dr. “These measurements show that secondhand tobacco smoke can produce very high levels of toxic particles in your home.

What is air pollution advantages and disadvantages?

CFCs- aerosol, refrigeration, air conditioning and foam- blowing industries- destroy ozone layer. Methane-feedlots, rubbish dumps- global warming. Carbon monoxide- vehicle emissions- restricts oxygen uptake, causes drowsiness, headaches, death global warming.

Is car pollution worse than smoking?

The levels of air pollution drivers experience while stuck in traffic jams is 140\% worse than it is for pedestrians outside — and is equivalent to passively smoking a couple of cigarettes.

Which air pollutant is most harmful?

We see Radon as the most dangerous indoor air pollutant in the western world nowadays. This is because of several reasons: Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

What is the biggest air pollution?

5 Major Outdoor Air Pollutants

• Ozone (O3)
• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
• Carbon Monoxide (CO)
• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
• Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5)