I took a bold step and inhaled traffic fumes to uncover the hidden journey of air pollution within my body. The experience left me feeling contaminated, as I witnessed the black markings on my blood cells under a microscope. This groundbreaking experiment revealed that air pollution isn't just an external issue; it can invade our bodies and cause harm. In the bustling streets of central London, I stood for 10 minutes, breathing in the dirty air, unaware of the invisible threat. The air pollution, primarily from traffic, exhaust pipes, and worn-out tires and brakes, was more than just an eyesore. It was a potential health hazard. Professor Jonathan Grigg, from Queen Mary University of London, referred to this spot as his 'exposure chamber'. He explained that most people mistakenly believe that air pollution is filtered out by the nose or mouth, or trapped and expelled from the lungs. However, the truth is more alarming. The smallest particles can stay in the lungs and even move into the bloodstream, circulating throughout the body. After the experiment, I had my blood examined under a microscope, where the air pollution appeared as tiny black dots stuck to the red blood cells. These particles, known as PM 2.5, are pieces of carbon and other chemicals from incomplete fuel burning. The findings were shocking: on average, one in every two to three thousand red blood cells had picked up a piece of pollution. This might not seem like much, but when scaled up to the five litres of blood in an adult, the researchers estimated that there could be 80 million red blood cells transporting pollution around the body. Dr. Norrice Liu, a researcher, expressed concern over the discovery, highlighting the unsettling thought that pollution is constantly circulating within us. The study at Queen Mary University of London revealed that after two hours of breathing clean air, the levels of air pollution in the blood decreased. However, the crucial question remains: where does it go from there? The research suggests that some pollution may be filtered out by the kidneys and expelled through urine, but the most likely scenario is that the particles lodge in various organs. This finding explains the link between air pollution and various health problems beyond the lungs, including the brain and unborn babies. Deposits of black carbon from air pollution have been found in placentas and other organs. Sir Stephen Holgate, who led a report on air pollution, emphasized that it is damaging our health, and the clearest evidence comes from areas that have successfully reduced air pollution. However, the challenge lies in the fact that air pollution is largely invisible, and most of us are unaware that we are breathing it in daily. The impact of air pollution is far-reaching, affecting various organs and systems in our bodies. It can trigger inflammation, which is the body's response to injury and infection, but it can also affect blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Moreover, inflammation in the lungs can awaken dormant cancerous cells, leading to deadly tumours. Around one in 10 lung cancers in the UK are believed to be caused by air pollution. Even in the womb, air pollution can alter the functioning of a developing baby's DNA during critical stages of development. Sir Stephen Holgate warns that air pollution can cause problems with small lungs, hearts, and brain development. At the other end of life, air pollution seems to accelerate the process of dementia by aiding the formation of toxic protein plaques in the brain. So, what can be done about this invisible threat? While advice includes walking on quieter streets and staying away from busy roads, it's challenging to avoid air pollution entirely. Changes to cars, such as the adoption of electric vehicles and stricter emissions standards for diesel and petrol engines, are helping to improve air quality. However, the key to making a significant impact lies in understanding the mechanisms of how air pollution causes these effects. This knowledge will put pressure on policymakers to reduce exposure, as it is the most effective solution in the long run. This experiment and the research behind it shed light on the hidden dangers of air pollution, urging us to take action and make informed choices to protect our health and the health of our planet.
