Air pollution in India has been found to cause millions of premature deaths and billions in lost economic activity, according to a new study. Air pollutants, including PM2.5 (particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or smaller) and ozone produced by climate change pose serious threats to human health and pose potential threats of their own.
Air Pollution
Air pollution is one of the major risk factors contributing to premature deaths in India and caused an estimated 1.67 million deaths last year alone. Not only does it result in premature deaths but long-term morbidity is also caused by air pollution which imposes huge burden on healthcare costs.
Most air pollutants, such as sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulate matter (PM2.5) produced from fossil fuel combustion come directly into our atmosphere via combustion processes and then dispersed via wind currents until eventually they settle down in urban centers and form toxic particles.
These particles, when inhaled, enter the respiratory system and can lead to genetic changes, compromised liver function and hematological abnormalities that impact children particularly severely. Infant lungs do not fully form at birth so their health can be more easily affected by pollutants in the air. Poor people feel its impacts most acutely as their lives often involve driving without access to proper public transportation and living close to polluting industries that emit emissions into their environment.
Water Pollution
Water pollution occurs when harmful microorganisms or chemical substances contaminate bodies of water, rendering it unsafe for consumption or use for other purposes. Water pollution may result from any number of sources including agricultural runoff, industrial wastes, oil spills and even pet waste.
Unsafe drinking water can be the source of diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery and typhoid disease which have serious adverse health impacts for humans. Furthermore, unsafe water may increase risk factors associated with certain cancers as well as chronic illness conditions.
Polluted water is an international problem, and India is no exception. Each day in India, almost 40 million litres of wastewater enter rivers and other bodies of water without being properly treated, potentially slowing economic growth by up to 30% and leading to deaths caused by water-borne diseases.
Food Pollution
Smog is a thick cloud of smoke and fog created from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, petrol and diesel by large-scale industries, thermal power plants and small-scale industries. It contains primary pollutants as well as secondary pollutants which reduce visibility while also causing respiratory issues for humans, pets and farm animals as well as crops – while at the same time being known to corrode cars, houses, bridges and other structures.
Air pollution caused by smog is the fifth leading risk factor for deaths in India, according to GBD 2015 Risk Factors Collaborators. It causes respiratory diseases such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis while increasing chances of heart diseases and lung cancer.
Studies indicate that prolonged exposure to smog increases the risk of stunting among children in India, one of the main contributors to malnutrition. Long-term exposure may even impact brain development negatively and have lifelong health implications. Although more research needs to be conducted into long-term exposure to air pollution, evidence has indicated smog harms functioning individuals without diagnosable health harms by diminishing productivity and abilities in various ways.
Indoor Pollution
Air pollution poses a grave health risk and reduces Indians’ life expectancies by an estimated 5.3 years on average. The source of air pollution lies primarily in vehicle emissions, industrial activities and household chores as well as poor air circulation; weather plays an integral role too – when solar radiation becomes concentrated it creates thick smog clouds which do not dissipate quickly enough; rain and wind can help clear away this pollution while
Studies have demonstrated that smog exposure has significant negative respiratory and cardiovascular impacts, particularly on immunocompromised individuals such as children, elderly adults, and those living with preexisting conditions. Smog also acts as an incubator for bacteria and viruses which disrupt immune systems making people vulnerable to infections.
Smog pollution has the power to impair lung function and hasten premature mortality by irritating the respiratory tract, increasing risk for asthma, bronchitis, cardiovascular diseases and chronic respiratory conditions as well as eye and mucous membrane irritation. It may even increase risk for lung cancer.