How do air toxics impact health?
Air toxics are associated with a broad range of health effects, including cancer. Because air toxics are primarily inhaled, many adverse health effects involve the respiratory system. Some studies have linked air toxics to asthma, a widespread respiratory disease. Other respiratory effects include lung inflammation, coughing, wheezing and reduced lung function. The cardiovascular, neurological, reproductive and immunological systems can also be affected by various air toxics. People are affected differently by exposure to air toxics. Children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems or illnesses are especially susceptible. Some air toxics are persistent and bio-accumulative, meaning they build up in the food chain and result in higher exposures with relatively lower concentrations. Local Air Toxics Monitoring The Polk County Air Quality Division currently monitors for air toxics at the Carpenter Health Department monitoring site.
