Health effects of pollution exposure: which statement is true?

• A. They have no health impact
• B. They can trigger respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and asthma
• C. They only cause headaches
• D. They improve lung function

Answer: (B)

Pollution exposure has broad health effects, not just one symptom. Inhaled pollutants like particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide can cause airway inflammation and oxidative stress, which can trigger respiratory diseases (including asthma) and worsen existing lung conditions. They also affect the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of events such as heart attacks and strokes, especially with short-term spikes or long-term exposure. Because of these shared mechanisms and wide-ranging impacts, the true statement is that pollution exposure can trigger respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and asthma.

The other ideas don’t fit with what is known from the evidence: pollution does not have no health impact, it does not solely cause headaches, and it does not improve lung function.