The health hazards associated with air pollution
Air
pollution is linked to increased rates of morbidity and mortality, in
particular from cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. Environmental pollution,
especially with high particulate matter PM 2.5 exposure, has also been proved
to be linked with an increased prevalence of diabetes.
Research indicates that a decrease in the concentration of the
fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) by 10 micrograms per cubic meter
is associated with an increased life expectancy of 0.77 year and 15 percent of
the overall increase in life expectancy.
Speaking about this, Padma
Shri Awardee Dr. A Marthanda Pillai – National President and Padma Shri Awardee
Dr. KK Aggarwal – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said,
“A recent study showed an increased risk of heart attack
associated with short-term exposure to a variety of air pollutants (carbon
monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide); the population attributable
risk was estimated as 0.6 to 4.5 percent. With the population levels in Delhi
at an all time high, it is imperative that awareness is raised about the health
hazards of high air pollution levels and necessary steps each one of us must
take to stay healthy. People at high risk include those with existing lifestyle
diseases, children and the elderly. This group must not stay in densely
polluted areas for a long period of time, wear masks and should avoid engaging
in strenuous outdoor activities. It is the duty of each and every citizen to
work towards reducing the environmental burden of our country.”
Air pollution is also associated with adverse effects on lung
development and decreased lung function in children. In children with and
without asthma, improvements in air quality (decreased levels of nitrogen
dioxide and particular matter) is associated with improvements in both forced
expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity between age 11 and 15.There
is a known correlation between levels of air pollution and lung disease, but
the association between air pollution and asthma is less clear.
Asthma is related to specific pollutants, while other respiratory
diseases are related to total air pollution.
·
The prevalence rates of asthma and atopy are linked with NO2
levels and CO levels. Particulate matter and ozone levels may have no link
·
The prevalence rates of bronchitis are linked to SO2
Pollution has various
hazardous effects on a person’s health. It precipitates asthma, heart attacks
and COPD. Pollution
is linked to the build up of carbon dioxide leading to global warming, climatic
changes, and a multitude of adverse human health outcomes. Release of
chlorofluorocarbon gases used in refrigerators destroys the protective ozone
layer in the stratosphere, thereby leading to an increase in ultraviolet
radiation and skin cancers, particularly melanoma. The time has come for each
one of us to make an effort to reduce the environmental burden caused by our day-to-day
actions. The future of our civilization lies in each one of our hands.
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