Effects of Air Pollution: Air pollution is the biggest problem in the world at present. If we look at it in terms of India, most of the cities of India are in its grip. The situation of air pollution in the country’s capital Delhi becomes serious every year during the winter season. There are many problems regarding this, but now a big revelation has been made by the doctors of Delhi AIIMS and many big hospitals. According to them, if there is a problem of pain in your joints, then the reason for this is air pollution. Dr. Pramod Kumar, expert of Fortis, New Delhi, said that many researches are indicating that due to air pollution, 12 to 18 percent of people may complain of joint pain. Let us tell you what other diseases apart from arthritis are being caused by air pollution.
Which organs do air pollution affect?
According to WHO, almost every part of the body can be affected by air pollution. Very small contaminated particles enter the blood through the lungs and spread throughout the body causing diseases like inflammation and cancer.
What are the diseases related to air pollution?
Air pollution is a major risk factor for all-cause mortality as well as many specific diseases. The most commonly associated diseases are stroke, ischemic heart disease, COPD such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, pneumonia and cataract. Some research also shows that air pollution can affect pregnancy such as low birth weight, small child size, cancer, diabetes, memory loss and neurological diseases.
Which pollutants are most dangerous?
Although many types of toxins cause harm, the ones considered to have the greatest impact on health include particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Especially PM is very dangerous because they are so small that they go deep into the lungs and mix with the blood and then reach many parts of the body and damage cells and tissues.
Know about diseases in detail
cancer
Cancer comes first and is one of the most common diseases related to air pollution. This happens due to carcinogenic particles, which are released when fossil fuels are burnt. Cancer can occur in any part of the body, but it is most commonly found in the lungs. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common lung cancer and is seen in about 80 percent of cases. It is less aggressive than small cell lung cancer and its prognosis is better.
neurological disorders
Air pollution is also linked to many neurological diseases. These include diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder in which memory weakens and the ability to think and understand decreases. Research has shown that air pollution accelerates its progression.
gastrointestinal diseases
Many digestive diseases are also linked to air pollution, such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Studies have shown that in areas where there is more pollution, people suffer more from these diseases.
kidney disease
Air pollution also affects the kidneys. Some of the major types are chronic kidney disease, which is a long-term disease that can lead to kidney failure. This is caused by the toxins accumulated in the body, which also include elements of pollution. Acute kidney injury is a sudden and sometimes reversible kidney problem. This occurs when high levels of pollution, especially particulate matter, enter the body.
liver disease
Air pollution also affects the liver. This increases the risk of fatty liver disease, in which fat accumulates in the liver and can lead to swelling and scarring.
skin disease
Various skin problems are also linked to air pollution, such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. In eczema, the skin becomes dry, itchy and swollen. Pollution is believed to trigger its onset or flare-up.
Asthma
Asthma is a disease in which the respiratory tubes shrink and swelling and mucus starts forming in them. Due to this, symptoms like difficulty in breathing, cough, wheezing and chest tightness are seen. Major triggers of asthma include air pollution, cold weather and pollen.
bronchitis
Bronchitis is also a common disease related to air pollution. In this, the bronchus of the lungs become swollen and there is a burning sensation. The reason for this could be smoke, dust or chemical fumes. Its symptoms include cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain.
Arthritis
Now a new name arthritis has been added to it. Experts say that Delhi’s poisonous air and arthritis are increasing the problems of rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, many studies have revealed that pollution is increasing its problems rapidly. The most solid evidence of this is found in the research on pollution published in the European Medical Journal (2025). In which many problems arising from this have been mentioned.
Read this also: Memory will be lost and hormones will also be imbalanced, if this bad habit is not changed immediately.
Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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