Page 138 - Fundamentals of Air Pollution

108 7. Effects on Human Health and Welfare

TABLE 7-2
Specific Air Pollutants and Associated Health Effects
Pollutant Effects
CO Reduction in the ability of the circulatory system to transport O 2
Impairment of performance on tasks requiring vigilance
Aggravation of cardiovascular disease.
NO, Increased susceptibility to respiratory pathogens
Decrement in pulmonary function
0 3
Coughing, chest discomfort
Increased asthma attacks
Lead Neurocognitive and neuromotor impairment
Heme synethesis and hematologic alterations
Peroxyacyl nitrates, Eye irritation
aldehydes
SO 2/particulate Increased prevalence of chronic respiratory disease
matter Increased risk of acute respiratory disease

V. IMPACT OF ODOR ON HUMANS

Odors are perceived via the olfactory system, which is composed of two
organs in the nose: the olfactory epithelium, a very small area in the nasal
system, and the trigeminal nerve endings, which are much more widely
distributed in the nasal cavity (11). The olfactory epithelium is extremely
sensitive, and humans often sniff to bring more odorant in contact with
this area. The trigeminal nerves initiate protective reflexes, such as sneezing
or interruption of inhalation, with exposure to noxious odorants.
The health effects of odors are extremely hard to quantify, yet people
have reported nausea, vomiting, and headache; induction of shallow
breathing and coughing; upsetting of sleep, stomach, and appetite; irrita-
tion of the eyes, nose, and throat; destruction of the sense of well-being and
the enjoyment of food, home, and the external environment; disturbance;
annoyance; and depression (11). Research under controlled conditions has
qualitatively revealed changes in respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
The difficulty has been in establishing the relationship between the intensity
or duration of the exposure and the magnitude of the effects on these
systems.

REFERENCES

1. Cowling, E. B., Environ. Sci. Technol. 16, 110A-123A (1982).
2. Fantechi, R.,andGhazi, A. (eds.), "Carbon Dioxide and Other Greenhouse Gases: Climatic
and Associated Impacts." Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston, 1989.