Common Diseases Caused by Air Pollution

Air pollution is considered a primary threat to your well-being and respiratory health. It is an environmental health hazard that we are familiar with. Sometimes the pollution is visible in terms of smoke; other times, it is not visible, but you can smell it. Diseases caused by air pollution are many, and we are listing some of the major ones for you here. Let's dive in! 

The Diseases Due to Air Pollution Include

• Diabetes mellitus
• Obesity
• Immune system disorders
• Cardiovascular disease 
• Reproductive disorders
• Neurological disorders
• Stress
• Cancer
• Lung infections
• Asthma
• Impaired blood vessel functions
• Increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke
• Ischaemic heart disease
• Chronic bronchitis
• Kidney complications

The World Health Organisation (WHO) terms air pollution as a human carcinogen. Primary sources of man-made air pollution include fuel oils, vehicle emissions, natural gases that heat houses, power generation & manufacturing, and coal-run power plants. The natural air pollution culprits can be wildfire smokes and volcanic eruptions. 

Diseases Caused by Air Pollution

Chronic Bronchitis

If you have chronic bronchitis, you will experience a cough that will last for over three months. You can also identify it with a cough with mucus or shortness of breath. 

Asthma

Pollutants and chemicals in the air can trigger an allergic reaction, leading to severe shortness of breath. It is called Asthma. Small pollutants enter the lungs through your nose and increase the quantum of the asthma attack.

Lung Cancer

Cancer developing in the lungs is termed lung cancer and is highly common in people who smoke. It can also happen to those who experience second-hand smoke, have an exposure to toxins of certain types, or have a genetic history. 

Symptoms include chest pain, cough, wheezing, hoarseness, and weight loss. 

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

It becomes difficult to breathe due to blocked airflow in COPD. It is mainly caused by chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Unfortunately, COPD delivers irreversible damage to your lungs, and the symptoms include chronic cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath. 

Cardiovascular Diseases

Minor air pollutants can increase the chances of artery calcification and impaired blood vessel function. There is also an increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke due to air pollution. Air pollution can also cause many complications during pregnancy, such as fetal illness or death, low weight, or pre-term birth. 

Immune System and Birth Defects

Unborn and newborn babies develop all kinds of issues when exposed to air pollution. Allergies, colds, coughs, infections, and lower immunity are the most common. It is of utmost importance for pregnant women to take care of the quality of the air they breathe, even if it requires using air filters. 

Ischaemic Heart Diseases

When calcium or fat-like materials collect in the coronary artery, it leads to blockages that do not let blood reach the heart and other parts of your body. Air pollution is a significant factor in blocked arteries and the development of Ischaemic heart diseases. 

Risk Factors

Your geographical location and lifestyle contribute significantly to the risk factors for air pollution diseases. Pollution can be indoor or outdoor. Indoor pollution often stems from using wood, biomass, or coal for cooking food.

WHO stated that a part of the 4.3 million deaths in 2012 due to air pollution was linked to cooking food with dirty fuel.

Rapid industrialization also leads to more significant air pollution. Such nations have lower emission regulations, which are very risky to live in. 

Protect Yourself from Air Pollution

Keep your Windows Closed

Closing your windows is the first step to keeping the smoky and dirty air out of your house. Filtration and circulation would be the next step, as you can use fans to circulate and filters to clean the air inside your home. 

Avoid Some Chores

Certain chores that lead to pollution include dusting and vacuuming. These lead to the kicking up of dust particles and degraded air quality. Instead, you should use a wet mop and keep yourself away from indoor air pollution. 

Replace your Air Filters

Your central cooling contains air filters, and they remove the smoke particles from the air and clarify and clean the surroundings. You should replace your air filters from time to time to ensure that work optimally and keeps your home pollution-free. Although, one thing to note is that not all central coolers have air filters. Try to check before getting your central cooler. 

Use an N95 Mask

N95 masks help remove the fine particles that come through the cloth masks. Use N95 masks and kick away the cloth or any other masks for your safety. 

Conclusion

Air pollution is rampant in many parts of the world, and you can only do your bit to try to save yourself from it. Air pollution causes many diseases and can make you seriously ill if not kept in check. It would be best if you followed some precautions and took care of yourself for a healthy and long life. 

Niva Bupa GoActiv Health Plan

It is active health insurance that works for you every day. The health checkup is available every year from day 1 of the policy. The plan provides a cover of up to Rs. 25 Lacs and you get a discount for enrolling before the age of 35. You also get up to 10 OPD consults per year. 

It is essential to get health insurance due to the air pollution and external factors that are not in our control. Any health mishap can put a serious dent in our pockets, and the money can even be a deciding factor for life and death. It is best to get Niva Bupa GoActive Health Plan to secure any unforeseen health circumstances.

FAQ’s

1. What are the most common diseases attributed to air pollution?

Air pollution has been linked with many diseases, including chronic bronchitis, asthma, lung cancer, COPD, cardiovascular disease, and immune disease. Air pollution can also cause birth defects, neurological disorders, and risk of stroke and diabetes.

2. In what ways does air pollution impact heart and lung functions?

Particulate pollution in dirty air that can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs, causing inflammation of blood vessels, blockage of arteries, and increased risk of heart attack, ischaemic heart disease, and lung infections like COPD and asthma. 

3. Is indoor air pollution as hazardous as outdoor air pollution? 

Yes, indoor air pollution due to sooty cooking fuel, inadequate ventilation, and tiny dust particles is equally deadly. WHO credits millions of deaths worldwide to indoor pollution, most especially in the developing world. 

4. What are the preventive measures against health consequences due to air pollution? 

Simple precautions like donning N95 masks, keeping windows shut, applying air filters or purifiers, shunning dusty work, and staying indoors when AQI is elevated can decrease exposure and lessen health effects. 

5. Why is health insurance necessary in the event of pollution disease? 

Air pollution diseases can lead to repeated hospitalization, long treatments, or even intensive care, which is costly. A health policy like Niva Bupa's GoActive Health Plan makes you economically secure with benefits like annual health check-ups, OPD consultations, and high coverage from day one.