From: mk_thisisit
Air quality significantly impacts human health, affecting virtually every organ and system in the body [00:00:13]. While the respiratory system is the most obvious first point of contact for pollutants, these contaminants ultimately penetrate the circulatory system, reaching all parts of the body [07:33:00].
Broad Health Implications
From a scientific and epidemiological perspective, it is understood that there is no organ in the human body for which poor air quality does not have very negative effects [07:17:17]. Pollutants, whether particles or gases, first affect the respiratory system, but then penetrate into the circulatory system, from where they are distributed to all parts of the body [07:39:00]. This means that all bodily systems and associated diseases can be influenced by air pollution [07:53:00].
Beyond the respiratory system, other systems affected include the reproductive system and the nervous system [08:41:00].
Specific Health Conditions
Stroke
Air quality is identified as one of the biggest causes of stroke [08:08:00]. While it is impossible to directly link an individual’s stroke to their exposure to poor air over a period of time, epidemiological studies clearly demonstrate this statistical connection [08:15:00].
Cancer
Air pollution is known to cause cancer [00:00:25], [08:51:00], including lung cancer [07:03:00].
E-cigarettes and Traditional Cigarettes
There are various perspectives on the dangers of e-cigarettes compared to traditional cigarettes, with some voices claiming they are equally dangerous or even more so [00:00:07], [09:03:00]. Ultimately, both involve inhaling pollutants or contaminants into the lungs, and both have negative effects [09:21:00], [09:38:00]. The extent of danger can depend on individual usage patterns [09:14:00].
While some might suggest that e-cigarettes could serve as a transition to quitting smoking, this does not appear to be the case [09:56:00]. The danger from inhaled contaminants does not increase infinitely linearly; there is a point where a maximum danger is reached, regardless of further increase in exposure [10:29:00]. Therefore, it is difficult to say which is “better” or “worse” as both are equally bad [10:49:00].
Impact of Airplanes on Air Quality
The contribution of airplanes to overall air pollution is estimated to be around 1% [11:13:00]. This figure refers to the proportional comparison with other forms of energy [11:04:00].