Today is World Lung Day. Doctors are sounding the alarm: heat waves, air pollution and the extreme pollen season are a threat to health!
The temperatures in the Sahara and the enormous air pollution caused by ozone, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter take their toll on the body. Scientists have long discovered that mortality increases during heat waves. Our lungs are particularly affected by environmental changes.
“We are seeing an increase in symptoms of respiratory diseases associated with the deterioration of air quality and the increasing number of extreme weather events,” explains Dr. Kai Bromm, senior physician at the REHA Center Münster in Tyrol. In particular, pollen levels, air pollution and heat waves contribute to the worsening of chronic lung diseases such as COPD or asthma. This increases the health risk.
Ground-level ozone is created by vehicle emissions and acts as an intensifier of chronic inflammation in the bronchial mucosa. In addition, fine dust penetrates deep into the alveoli and causes inflammation as a foreign body. The patient desperately gasps for air.
The pollen season starts earlier and lasts longer
In addition, the growing seasons have become longer: the pollen season starts earlier and earlier and lasts even longer. In addition, new plants have long since taken root in our environment. The weed ragweed (native to North America), a major problem for the health and agricultural sectors, begins to flower in August. Since last year, there has also been a second flowering phase for mugwort in September and October – this is reported by the pollen service MedUni Vienna.
Young people are particularly exposed to the effects of climate change and pollution, as their lungs continue to grow until they are 25 years old. Due to their lower body weight, children and young people inhale more pollutants than adults. The consequences are fatal.
Nearly one in ten children has already been affected in the study
The long-term LEAD study of the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute confirms the increase in respiratory problems. Accordingly, the lung function of eight percent of the participating children and teenagers is already below the normal range. The problem is of course not limited to Austria.
The European Respiratory Society (ERS), representing more than 30,000 respiratory specialists, is therefore calling on the EU Parliament and governments around the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
Source: Krone

I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.