Written By: Satata Karmakar | Updated : November 19, 2024 9:56 AM IST
Delhi Chokes On Smog As AQI Hits 975: Top 7 Dangerous Diseases That Air Pollution Can Cause
Delhi Air Pollution: The residents of Delhi-NCR woke up to severe cold, haze, and 'hazardous' air quality on Tuesday, with most AQI stations touching 500-mark (severe plus). According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality index (AQI) of Delhi's Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Bawana, Jahangirpuri, Major Dhyan Chand Stadium and several other places touched the 500-mark at 5 am on Tuesday, prompting concerns about health and safety.
As Delhi has been wrestling with severe air pollution for many years, have you ever thought about what may happen inside your body when you breathe polluted-smog-filled air? As AQI levels hit staggering numbers, let's explore some of the dangers that air pollution can cause.
Are you residing in Delhi? Breathing under AQI level 975 can be dangerous not only for your lungs but for other organs as well, here are the top 5 diseases that air pollution can cause.
Air pollution primarily impacts our respiratory system, with pollutants like particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) leading to serious respiratory conditions. Diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer are worsened by poor air quality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), outdoor air pollution contributes to around 4.2 million premature deaths annually, with respiratory issues being a key factor.
Asthma is a long-lasting condition that results in the swelling and narrowing of the airways, making it hard to breathe. Air pollution acts as a catalyst for asthma attacks, particularly affecting children and those already dealing with the condition. Pollutants can irritate the airways, leading to more severe symptoms and increased hospitalizations. Recognizing the connection between air pollution and asthma can aid in developing strategies to minimize exposure, especially during high pollution days.
The dangers of air pollution extend beyond the lungs; it also seriously threatens our heart health. Research indicates that long-term exposure to polluted air can contribute to heart problems, such as heart attacks and strokes. Tiny particles can enter the bloodstream, resulting in inflammation and arterial blockages. This relationship underscores the urgent need for better air quality standards.
Yes, you read that right! Breathing polluted air with existing high blood glucose levels can lead to the onset of type-2 diabetes. This form of diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body regulates blood sugar (glucose). It is one of the most common forms of diabetes, and it occurs when your body either doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose enter your cells for energy.
Newer studies are beginning to shed light on the connection between air pollution and neurological diseases. Evidence suggests that exposure to air pollutants may raise the risk of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Fine particles can travel to the brain, leading to inflammation and oxidative stress, which are known factors in cognitive decline.
You may not realise it, but polluted and toxic air can cause cancer. According to the studies, exposure to certain pollutants has been associated with an increased risk of other cancers, including bladder and kidney cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies air pollution as a Group 1 carcinogen, indicating solid evidence connecting it to lung cancer. Long-term exposure to polluted air raises the risk of developing this life-threatening disease, particularly in urban areas with high traffic and industrial activities.
Not just your lungs, heart and brain, polluted air can seriously affect your skin health as well. As per experts, exposure to polluted air can lead to skin irritation, skin cancer, and other serious health troubles.
Stay aware of these diseases, and their symptoms. Make sure to never step out of the house without wearing a mask. Drinks lots of fluid to keep your body healthy from the inside, avoid going out unnecessarily, and most importantly, practice deep breathing exercises to keep the lungs healthy.
