What is a common health effect associated with air pollution?

Air pollution is widely recognized as a significant public health concern, leading to various adverse health effects. One of the common health effects associated with air pollution is increased susceptibility to asthma. Exposure to pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone can irritate the airways and exacerbate respiratory conditions, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and those with pre-existing respiratory issues.

When individuals are exposed to high levels of air pollution, they may experience worsened asthma symptoms, increased frequency of asthma attacks, and a higher likelihood of developing new cases of asthma, especially in sensitive populations. This phenomenon is well-supported by research linking environmental air quality to respiratory health outcomes, making the connection between air pollution and increased susceptibility to asthma a well-established principle in public health discussions.

In contrast, other options describe either positive health effects or conditions that are not typically associated with air pollution. Enhanced cognitive abilities and improved lung capacity do not occur due to exposure to polluted air, and while increased heart disease risk can be linked to air pollution, the answer focuses specifically on asthma susceptibility, which is a direct and well-documented effect of air quality deterioration.