Final answer:
Air pollution impacts humans by causing health issues such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, decreased lung function, and increased risk of cancer. The AQI is used to measure air pollution levels and alert people to potential risks. Addressing this issue requires a global effort to reduce emissions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Air pollution significantly impacts human health and the environment, often caused by the release of harmful substances through human activities such as industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and the burning of fossil fuels. A recent air pollution event, for example, may involve a high concentration of particulate matter due to excessive vehicle emissions in an urban area, leading to hazy conditions and poor air quality readings. Such events are measured using the Air Quality Index (AQI), alerting residents to the potential risks.
Exposure to air pollution can lead to serious health consequences, including the aggravation of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, decreased lung function, and an increased risk of cancer and premature death. Vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions like asthma, may experience more severe effects. Air pollution is not only a concern for outdoor environments but also affects indoor air quality, posing additional health risks.
The whole ecosystem is at stake due to air pollution, which compromises crop quality, leads to increased heating and cooling costs, and causes acid rain, ozone depletion, and global warming. Tackling air pollution requires a collective effort and responsible decisions to reduce emissions and limit our individual contribution to the tragedy of the commons.