Air – Composition, Health Effects and Medicine
Air is the gaseous mixture of the Earth's atmosphere, composed of nitrogen, oxygen, and other gases, and is essential for human life and health.
Things worth knowing about "Air"
Air is the gaseous mixture of the Earth's atmosphere, composed of nitrogen, oxygen, and other gases, and is essential for human life and health.
What is Air?
Air is the natural gas mixture that forms the Earth's atmosphere and is indispensable for all living organisms. It consists of approximately 78% nitrogen (N₂), around 21% oxygen (O₂), and small amounts of argon, carbon dioxide (CO₂), water vapor, and trace gases. For the human body, the oxygen component is particularly vital, as it is required for cellular respiration and energy production in nearly all body cells.
Composition of Air
Dry atmospheric air is composed primarily of the following components:
- Nitrogen (N₂): approx. 78.09%
- Oxygen (O₂): approx. 20.95%
- Argon (Ar): approx. 0.93%
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂): approx. 0.04%
- Trace gases: neon, helium, methane, ozone, and others
- Water vapor: variable, depending on humidity
Air may also contain suspended particles such as pollen, fine particulate matter, mold spores, and pollutants (e.g., nitrogen oxides, ground-level ozone) that can have significant health effects.
The Importance of Air for Health
The quality of the air we breathe has a major impact on human health. Clean air is essential for optimal oxygen supply to the body. Polluted air, on the other hand, can cause or worsen numerous diseases:
- Respiratory diseases: Bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis
- Cardiovascular diseases: Increased risk from fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxides
- Allergies: High pollen levels can trigger allergic reactions
- Lung cancer: Long-term exposure to pollutants such as radon or fine dust increases the risk
Indoor Air and Outdoor Air
Outdoor Air
The quality of outdoor air is influenced by natural factors (e.g., volcanic eruptions, wildfires) and human activities (industry, traffic, agriculture). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution contributes to millions of premature deaths globally each year.
Indoor Air
People spend the majority of their time indoors. Indoor air can be contaminated by mold, house dust, tobacco smoke, off-gassing from building materials (e.g., formaldehyde), and poor ventilation. Regular airing out of rooms and the use of air purifiers can improve indoor air quality.
Air in Medicine
In medicine, air plays a central role in several areas:
- Ventilation medicine: Mechanical ventilation with enriched air or pure oxygen in cases of respiratory failure
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: Treatment with pure oxygen under increased air pressure for certain conditions
- Pneumothorax: Air entering the pleural space causes lung collapse
- Air embolism: Air entering blood vessels can be life-threatening
- Diagnostics: X-ray examinations use the different radiation permeability of air and tissue
Air and Prevention
To minimize health risks related to air quality, health authorities recommend the following measures:
- Regular ventilation of indoor spaces (at least 3 times daily)
- Avoiding smoking indoors
- Limiting outdoor activity during high particulate matter or pollen levels
- Using respiratory protection masks in heavily polluted environments
- Monitoring indoor humidity (optimal range: 40-60%)
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): Ambient air quality and health. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health (2021).
- European Environment Agency (EEA): Air quality in Europe – 2022 report. Available at: https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/air-quality-in-europe-2022 (2022).
- Kumar P. et al. – Indoor air quality and health: A review of the literature. Environmental International, Elsevier, 2023.
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