A report released jointly by the Clean Air Fund, Confederation of Indian Industry, and Dalberg Advisors shows that air pollution causes India losses of about Rs 7 lakh crore or $95 billion annually, according to news on DownToEarth. Based on the report, an increase of ten micrograms per cubic meter in particulate matter (PM10) correlates with a 2% increase in absenteeism because of sick leaves. But absenteeism isn’t the only cause of productivity loss.
On days when air pollution levels are high, employees feel sick, with most reporting mild discomfort while breathing. Shoppers also avoid visiting shops that rely on a direct consumer interface, resulting in low sales and revenues. While it’s easy to argue business losses are due to the COVID-19 crisis, the impacts of poor air quality will be recurring every year unless individuals learn to live in the most environmentally conscious ways. The government should also impose strict measures on automobile travel and industries to combat carbon emissions. Read on to understand how air pollution is becoming more dangerous to human health and the environment.
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Air pollution increases the risk of dementia
A new study by the University of Washington reveals that fine particulate air pollution increases the risk of dementia. According to Rachel Shaffer, a lead author and researcher at the university, an increase of one microgram per cubic meter of air pollution exposure corresponds to a 16% greater risk of dementia. Shaffer adds that the findings showed a similar link for Alzheimer’s-type dementia. Fortunately, it’s possible to decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia by reducing exposure to air pollution. Findings from multiple studies presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2021 show that lowering particulate matter over ten years corresponded to a 14% decline in dementia risk in older women.
Air pollutants linked to lung cancer
Air pollution accounts for 29% or 1.8 million lung cancer-related deaths reported worldwide every year. Dust and smoke from vehicle exhaust, fossil-fueled power plants, tobacco, and volatile organic compounds are significant sources of air pollutants linked to lung cancer. Note that VOCs are gases emitted by household cleaners, perfumes, radon, and furniture sealants, and they can cause or contribute to the development of respiratory allergies and lung cancer. Therefore, reducing exposure to volatile organic compounds in your home should be a top priority. You can minimize the impact of VOCs by purchasing green or VOC-free cleaning products, cosmetics, and furniture.
Poor air quality could cause diabetes
Your physician has probably told you countless times to be cautious of what you eat, stay active, and understand your family’s health history to prevent diabetes. Surprisingly, the air you breathe plays a critical role in how well your body controls blood sugar levels and the risk of getting diabetes. Several studies, including one shared by the Washington University School of Medicine, show a strong connection between air pollution and diabetes, primarily type 2 diabetes.
The exact mechanism that links air pollution and types 2 diabetes isn’t clear. However, medical professionals claim that air pollutants enter the bloodstream and interact with vital organs and tissues when inhaled. When these interactions occur, body functions are disrupted, including insulin production and sensitivity. It is important to note that the risk of type 2 diabetes increases even when one is exposed to the lowest air pollution levels. That’s why it’s crucial to reduce air pollution both outdoors and indoors to lower the risks of developing this health condition..
Reduced life expectancy linked to air pollution
A report on the air quality life index shared by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago reveals that air pollution reduces life expectancy in India by 5.2 years. The study also suggests reducing air pollution could add more than nine years to the lives of residents in Delhi. In India, air pollution has a significant impact on human health to the extent it’s now the third-highest cause of death.
While developed countries like the USA, Japan, and Europe have successfully enhanced air quality, pollution still reduces life expectancy by two years worldwide. Pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) 2.5, household pollution, and ozone increase the risk of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) by 49%. Scientists report that COPD is responsible for half the deaths, while lung cancer deaths rank second at 33%, followed by ischaemic heart disease and diabetes at 22% and stroke at 15%. Exposure to toxic air also affects fetuses and young children, leading to premature death.
Air pollution poses mental health risks in children
Exposure to high levels of air pollution during early childhood may contribute to mental illness by the time an individual is 18years, according to a 25-year long American-British study. Researchers say children exposed to particulate matter and nitrogen oxides are more likely to develop mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. The research findings also reveal that youths exposed to low nitrogen oxide air pollution consistently have a greater risk of developing psychiatric disorders when they reach young adulthood.
Researchers added, even though the association of mental disorders and air pollution is modest, it’s real. For decades, people have been linking mental illness to trauma, poverty, and racism. But multiple studies reveal air quality has a significant impact on mental health. So, maintaining safe, clean, and healthier surroundings goes a long way in boosting mental wellbeing. This step entails reducing childhood exposure to tobacco smoke, toxic fumes from traffic and factories, and VOCs emitted by chemical-based household cleaners.
Global climate change
Air pollution isn’t harming only human health but also the environment. And global climate change is one of the most notable environmental effects of air pollution. It’s worth noting that, as greenhouse gas emissions increase, so does the rate of global warming. As a result, humans, wildlife, natural surroundings, and the water environment face serious risks. For instance, people living in hot-climate regions are likely to experience heat-related health conditions as temperatures spike. On the other hand, wildlife is at risk of developing health problems due to toxic air pollutants.
Exposure to air pollutants, like fumes from traffic, factories, smoke from tobacco and cooking, or household cleaners results in health complications and climate change. Multiple studies suggest that poor air quality indoors and outdoors is associated with a significant risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Air pollution also increases the risk of lung cancer, diabetes, asthma, mental disorder and is a leading factor contributing to reduced life expectancy and global warming.
