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What is it about ?
Road traffic and industry produce waste, part of which ends up in the air. These are mainly dust (fine particles), gases containing carbon and nitrogen and heavy metals such as lead and cadmium.
Fine particles are currently considered to be the most dangerous air pollutant. “Fine” refers to the dimensions of dust particles. They are so small that they can penetrate very deep into the smallest parts of the lungs.
Among the gases, the best known is carbon monoxide; it is a particularly poisonous gas that is produced by a stove or a bathroom water heater.
Fortunately, heavy metals are much less present today because the industry has changed its production methods.
There are national guidelines for the concentrations of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and fine particles. These concentrations are continuously measured in large cities.
How to recognize them?
The respiratory system is the main gateway for these substances into our body. Most of the symptoms are therefore related to the respiratory system. The most common are respiratory tract infections, asthma attacks and chronic bronchitis (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)), in addition to fever, cough and shortness of breath. Inhaling carbon monoxide (CO) is very dangerous. Typical signs of CO poisoning are a red complexion and blue coloring of the lips, fingers and toes. The victim falls into a coma and risks dying.
How is the diagnosis made?
The doctor can see the physical symptoms. However, it is very difficult to make a connection with air pollution.
If the CO level is too high, the fire brigade can be contacted to take a measurement.
In the case of ordinary air pollution, the doctor may currently have great difficulty in organizing measures to establish a possible link with the symptoms. An occupational physician or medical consultant can do this if there is a suspicion of increased exposure in the workplace.
What can you do ?
Try to avoid exposure to fine particles as much as possible.
Have your stove, gas stove or open fire serviced within the prescribed deadlines. Ensure good ventilation of living rooms and bathrooms. CO poisoning is always an emergency: open the windows and call the emergency services!
If you have sensitive lungs, follow the hygiene instructions (do not smoke, avoid very polluted air …) and take your medication well. In the event of chronic respiratory disease, vaccination against influenza and vaccination against pneumococci may be considered.
In regions contaminated by heavy metals, it is not recommended to consume products from the kitchen garden, in particular vegetables whose leaves are eaten. By contacting your municipality, you can have the concentration of metals in the soil of your garden measured.
What can the doctor do?
The harmful effects of air pollution on health are seen especially in people with chronic diseases of the heart or lungs, including asthma. If you have any questions about air pollution, ask the doctor.
Want to know more?
Are you looking for more specialized help?
- Poison Control Center 070 245 245
- SAMI / LPI – Indoor Environment Analysis Service / Laboratory for the Study and Prevention of Indoor Pollution – APW – Association des Provinces wallonnes
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