10 Diseases Caused by Air Pollution

Diseases caused by Air Pollution

Air pollution occurs when the atmosphere is contaminated by pollutants such as dust, dirt, smoke, gas, fumes, vapour, and more. When we inhale this polluted air, the contaminants enter our bodies through our respiratory tracts, leading to multiple health issues. Listed below are some common diseases caused by air pollution:

1. Asthma

Asthma is one of the most common chronic air pollution disease caused by swelling and narrowing of airways in the lung, making it difficult to breathe. The disease causes severe breathlessness, which makes it challenging for people to carry on their daily activities.

2. Lung cancer

While smokers are more prone to lung cancer, those exposed to second-hand smoking are also susceptible to it. Apart from this, certain air-borne toxins, family history or sustained exposure to toxic air pollution can also cause it. Common symptoms of lung cancer include severe chest pain, cough, wheezing sound, hoarseness and weight loss.

3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is a chronic lung disease which leads to obstruction of airways in the lungs. It causes difficulty in breathing, wheezing and chronic cough. Air pollution plays a major role in it as it harms the lungs beyond repair which can further lead to severe conditions such as bronchitis and emphysema.

4. Bronchitis

Sustained exposure to air pollution, especially with a high percentage of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide content, can lead to bronchitis. This condition results due to acute inflammation of lining of bronchial tubes which carries air to and from the lungs. Major symptoms of bronchitis are shortness of breath and sustained, severe coughing with thick mucus.

5. Pneumonia

Caused primarily because of bacteria, fungi and parasites in polluted air, pneumonia is a serious, sometimes fatal disease that impacts children and the elderly alike. Symptoms include difficulty in breathing, phlegm-riddled coughs, chills and fever.

6. Birth defects

Prenatal and neonatal exposure to toxic air can lead to birth defects which include preterm birth, low weight at birth, persistent chronic cold and cough, multiple allergies that present themselves while growing up and even neurological issues. Therefore, pregnant ladies must take necessary precautions and avoid staying in places with polluted surroundings.

7. Immune system disorders

Prenatal and neonatal exposure to air pollution can lead to lowering of immune system in babies, making them vulnerable of developing several health conditions.

8. Cardiovascular disorders

Continuous exposure to particulate matter along with poisonous gases can hamper the functioning of blood vessels and also speed up calcification process in the arteries. The severity of disease depends on type of pollutant and duration of exposure.

9. Leukaemia

Leukaemia is a blood and bone marrow cancer, caused commonly when one is exposed to radiations or chemicals in air. It can also be caused if the person is a chain smoker or has a family history of the disease. The symptoms include fevers, joint pain, bleeding, bruising, weight loss etc.

10. Emphysema

It is a lung condition which causes shortness of breath. If not given the timely and right treatment, it can be deadly.

Causes of Air Pollution

The smoke released by vehicles is the main reason which contributes towards contaminating the air. Other causes include:

• Burning of dry leaves and garbage

• Burning of fossil fuels in different modes of transportation

• Microbial decaying procedures

• Wildfires

• Production work which includes construction and demolition

• Bursting crackers during festivals

• Indoor air pollution etc

Conclusion

While pollution related issues will not be solved in a days’ time, it is important to take measures to stay away from the harmful effects of air pollution to avoid diseases. Everyone should make efforts individually and together by adopting environmentally-friendly and sustainable practices to reduce air pollution.

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Source: EnvironmentGo, PayBima, Medium, NPolluted

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Last Updated on February 03, 2025

Published on March 21, 2023