Final answer:
When air supply is contaminated, it can lead to immediate health effects like irritation and fatigue and chronic issues like respiratory problems, decreased lung function, and cancer. Protecting oneself involves maintaining indoor air quality and being mindful of broader impacts of air pollution on health and costs.
Step-by-step explanation:
If your air supply were contaminated, the possible consequences could be severe and varied, ranging from short-term effects to long-term health problems. Immediate effects of air pollution might include irritation of eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, which are typically short-term and may be treatable by removing exposure to pollutants. However, there could also be long-term health repercussions such as aggravated respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, decreased lung function, increased frequency and severity of respiratory symptoms, susceptibility to respiratory infections, and effects on the nervous system, which may include IQ loss and impaired learning and memory. In some cases, exposure can result in cancer or even premature death.
There are several proactive measures you can take to protect yourself from air pollution. Keeping your home free from pet dander, dust, dust mites, and mold, and ensuring that air conditioning systems are working efficiently are practical steps. Although many people experienced serious health problems due to contamination, it's crucial to remember the broader impact of air pollution on public health, agriculture, and overall living costs, highlighting the importance of both individual and collective action to reduce contaminants in our environment.