air pollutants: Major risk factor for diseases

According to a recent study, air pollutants are a major cause of several cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Read further to know more.

By: IANS | | Published: August 23, 2019 12:35 pm

Polluted air is one of the major cause of severe health complications. © Shutterstock

Conducted over a 30-year period, a study on air pollutants, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, analysed data on air pollution and mortality in 652 cities across 24 countries and regions. Also Read - People living in urban areas at greater risk of multiple sclerosis: Blame goes to air pollution

The researchers found that increases in total deaths are linked to exposure to inhalable particles (PM10) and fine particles (PM2.5) emitted from fires or formed through atmospheric chemical transformation. Also Read - Breathing polluted air may increase your weight, says study

“As there’s no threshold for the association between particulate matter (PM) and mortality, even low levels of air pollution can increase the risk of death,” said Yuming Guo, Professor at Monash University in Australia. Also Read - Indians at higher risk of having kidney disease: Watch out for these signs and symptoms

“The smaller the airborne particles, the more easily they can penetrate deep into the lungs and absorb more toxic components causing death,” Guo said.

Though concentrations of air pollutants in Australia are lower than in other countries, the study found that Australians are more sensitive to particulate matter air pollution and cannot effectively resist its adverse impacts.

“Given the extensive evidence on their health impacts, PM10 and PM2.5 are regulated through the World Health Organisation (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines and standards in major countries,” Guo added.

The results suggest that the levels of particulate matter below the current air quality guidelines and standards are still hazardous to public health.

Published : August 23, 2019 12:35 pm

Read Disclaimer

Treatment for lower back pain now in your hands

Vehicle exhaust pollutants associated with common eye condition

About The health Site

TheHealthSite.com is India's largest health site with more than 40 lakh unique visitors per month. We focus on fitness, beauty, health, pregnancy and more.

Most popular health and wellness website in India in 2012 at the Website of the year awards.

health@corp.india.com

+91 – 22 – 6697 1234

91 – 22 – 2490 0302.

ZEE ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES LTD, 18th floor, A-Wing, Marathon Futurex, N. M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013.

We respect your privacy

Treatment for lower back pain now in your hands

Vehicle exhaust pollutants associated with common eye condition

People living in urban areas at greater risk of multiple sclerosis: Blame goes to air pollution

Breathing polluted air may increase your weight, says study

Indians at higher risk of having kidney disease: Watch out for these signs and symptoms

Indians at higher kidney disease risk due to air pollution

Daily exposure to ozone pollution ups mortality risk

About The health Site

Useful Links