Air Pollution on the Agenda: Pollution Affects the Entire Body, Not Just the Lungs

The recent rise in air pollution has become one of the most serious environmental threats affecting people’s quality of life and health worldwide. According to experts, this issue is no longer merely an environmental problem but a global public health crisis. Asst. Prof. Nurten Elkin, Lecturer at Istanbul Gelisim University Faculty of Health Sciences and Public Health Specialist, emphasized the significance of the issue, stating: “Air pollution is one of the biggest obstacles to protecting health and preventing disease. The quality of the air we breathe directly determines both our lifespan and quality of life.”

“Air We Breathe Can Pose a Threat to Our Health”

Asst. Prof. Elkin explained that urbanization, industrialization, and increased use of fossil fuels have brought air pollution to critical levels:
“Today, the air we breathe in cities is often filled with invisible yet extremely harmful particles. Human activities such as traffic, energy production, industry, and forest fires cause the accumulation of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) in the atmosphere. These substances directly harm the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.”

Elkin also highlighted that air pollution ranks third among causes of death related to non-communicable diseases:
“Air pollution is the third leading cause of death after hypertension and tobacco use. This clearly shows the scale of the public health threat we are facing.”

“Pollution Affects the Whole Body, Not Just the Lungs”

Emphasizing that the effects of air pollution are not limited to the respiratory system, Asst. Prof. Elkin stated, “There is no organ unaffected by air pollution,” and continued:
“Pollution triggers a chain reaction that begins in the lungs but impacts the heart, blood vessels, brain, and immune system. Long-term exposure to polluted air increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure. It also weakens the immune system, reducing resistance to infections.”
Asst. Prof. Elkin also discussed the connection between air pollution and conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression:
“According to World Health Organization reports, individuals exposed to polluted air for long periods are more likely to develop obesity, diabetes, and neurological diseases. Even symptoms like forgetfulness, lack of concentration, and mental fatigue—what we call ‘brain fog’—may be linked to air pollution.”

“Children, the Elderly, and Those with Chronic Diseases Are Most at Risk”

Asst. Prof. Elkin stated that although air pollution affects everyone, certain groups are much more vulnerable:
“Infants, young children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses are the most at-risk groups. Children are particularly affected because their lungs, brains, and organ systems are still developing. Even a fetus can be negatively affected by the quality of air its mother breathes.”
Elkin added that elderly individuals are also at greater risk:
“As people age, immune responses weaken and the body’s ability to filter harmful substances decreases. This increases mortality risk, especially among elderly individuals with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.”

“Access to Clean Air Is a Fundamental Right”

Referring to the World Health Organization’s Global Air Quality Guidelines, Asst. Prof. Elkin noted:
“WHO has clearly defined the air quality standards necessary to protect human health, based on scientific evidence. These guidelines serve as a reference for countries, which should compare their cities’ air quality to these standards to assess public health risks.”

“We Can Reduce the Impact of Pollution”

Asst. Prof. Elkin emphasized that while eliminating air pollution entirely is a long-term goal, individual precautions can help reduce its effects:
“During periods of heavy pollution, it’s important to limit outdoor activities, use masks, ensure proper ventilation indoors, keep air-purifying plants at home, and exercise in green areas whenever possible. A diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins C and E can also strengthen the body against free radicals.”

“Higher Risk in Industrialized Cities”

Elkin warned that, “The level of air pollution in industrial zones and large cities is significantly higher than in rural areas. Therefore, urban planning should focus on increasing green spaces, promoting the use of public transportation, and expanding clean energy sources.”
Asst. Prof. Nurten Elkin stressed that the fight against air pollution should not only be viewed as an environmental policy but also as a comprehensive public health strategy.