Environment
The Alarming Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health
Air pollution, particularly particulate matter (PM) 2.5, has become a serious health concern in several Indian cities. Despite the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) targeting a 40% reduction in particulate pollution by 2025-26, many cities continue to exceed safe air quality limits. Cities like Delhi, Singrauli and Bhiwani are among the most polluted, with AQI levels above 280. Industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and agricultural burning remain the main causes, posing severe health risks.
Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to pollution could lead to Type 2 Diabetes, obesity, systemic inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. It was also found that chronic exposure will eventually affect every human organ and aggravate existing medical conditions. Apart from affecting human health, studies indicate components of air pollution can invade the brain, causing central nervous system disorders including Parkinson’s disease.
Air Pollution and Physical Health
The dangers associated with overexposure to the air in certain cities including Mumbai and Delhi could lead to various illnesses from sore throat to pneumonia to heart diseases. The health impacts of air pollution can be discovered in numerous forms in the human body.
- Sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere leads to headaches and anxiety and it affects the central nervous system.
- Ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and benzo[a]pyrene irritate eyes, nose and throat along with breathing problems and cardiovascular diseases.
- Spleen, liver and blood are affected with prolonged exposure to nitrogen dioxide. irritation, inflammation, infections, asthma and reduced lung functions are other issues affecting human health.
- PM2.5 and PM10 are the leading causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and lung cancer.
Air Pollution and Nervous System
The effects of air pollution on the nervous system are multifold, including inflammation of the nervous system, oxidative stress, protein condensation, cerebral vascular barrier disorders and many more. Neuronal cell damage caused by fine dust, especially in foetuses and infants can cause permanent brain damage or lead to neurological diseases in adulthood. It has become the need of the hour to address the growing concern of rising air pollution and its impact on the overall health of people.
Factors Contributing to Air Pollution
It is implausible to refute the fact that cities like Mumbai were expecting a sudden rise in air pollution. Urbanisation, proximity to the sea and growing population were evident factors contributing to the air pollution. Along with these, inadequate measures by the government and the ineffectiveness of the current measures are also adding to the growing pollution. The outcome is not the result of unforeseen situations.
Ashwin Bhadri, CEO of Equinox Labs, says, “The repeating weather pattern every year is an indication to take definite steps towards controlling the air pollution in major cities. Without a proper plan, the rise in pollution and factors contributing to it will be a recurring trend. The number of people falling victim, without any doubt, will escalate rapidly. The health of most city residents is at stake, especially residents and workers, migrant labourers and outdoor workers who are more often exposed to the harmful atmosphere.”
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