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Diseases Caused By Air Pollution: From being in the ‘Poor’ category for the last three days, Delhi’s air quality has again dipped to the ‘Very Poor’ category on Sunday, according to (SAFAR)-India. The air quality index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 309 on Sunday, which falls in the ‘very poor’ category.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution increases the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease and lung cancer. Both short and long-term exposure to air pollutants have been associated with health impacts. More severe impacts affect people who are already ill. Children, the elderly and poor people are more susceptible. Here is a list of diseases caused by air pollution that severely affect human health.

Watch the video below about home remedies for cough and cold: 

Diseases Caused By Air Pollution

Cardiovascular Diseases

The inflammation and damage caused to the heart and blood vessels can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The harmful particles of air pollution enter the lungs and can cause inflammation, which can further increase the risk of high blood pressure and cause heart attack.

ALSO READ: Delhi Air Quality Deteriorates Further On Sunday; AQI Slips To 'Very Poor' After Three Days In 'Poor' Category

Cancer

According to Cancer Research UK, exposure to air pollution increases the risk of lung cancer. On average, air pollution levels in the UK are low, so the increased risk of cancer for each person is usually small. Many more lung cancer cases are caused by smoking than air pollution.

Neurological Diseases

Air pollution is also linked to various neurological diseases as well as a result of inflammation of the nervous system and oxidative stress. Some common diseases that air pollution may cause are Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s disease.

Air pollution contains harmful toxins that can hamper the overall health (Image Credits: Canva)

Skin Diseases

The harmful air pollutants from air pollution can alter the normal functioning of lipids and proteins in the human skin. This further leads to eczema, extrinsic skin ageing, dermatitis, psoriasis, acne and skin cancer.

Asthma

According to the CDC, people with heart or lung disease, infants, children with asthma or who spend a lot of time outdoors, older adults and active people of all ages who exercise or work hard outdoors are at higher risk of getting affected by air pollution.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. Symptoms include breathing difficulty, cough, mucus (sputum) production and wheezing, as per Mayo Clinic.

ALSO READ: Delhi’s AQI Worsens To ‘Very Poor’ Category: Expert Lists Tips To Keep Your Lungs Healthy Amid Rising Air Pollution

How To Protect Yourself From Air Pollution?

- From opting for healthy foods, and practising indoor fitness exercises to getting health checkups, one can lessen the effects of bad air quality on his/her health.

- One of the most effective strategies to mitigate the effects of air pollution is Yoga. Practise indoor yoga asanas to reduce the effect of air pollution.

- Place indoor air-purifying plants in your home to purify the air.

- Another effective strategy to reduce air pollution is to stop smoking. It is very important to understand that even a brief exposure to cigarette smoke can be harmful, which means secondhand smoke should also be avoided.

- Include foods with high water content such as watermelon, and lemon, and foods rich in vitamin C such as citrus fruits to boost your immunity.

- If possible, try to stay indoors to avoid breathing toxic outdoor pollution. Avoid pollution exposure as much as possible.

 

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)