10 Diseases Caused By Air Pollution That Can Severely Impact Your Health

Air pollution causes disease, silently impacting billions around the globe. According to estimates from the World Health Organization, 99% of people worldwide breathe air that is unsafe, with low- and middle-income nations bearing the greatest burden of the problem. The WHO further reports that air pollution contributes to a staggering 4.2 million deaths annually, with the burden heavily concentrated in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. 

Diseases caused by environmental pollution, particularly air pollution, are a major contributor to life loss. Respiratory illnesses like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are on the rise, with a significant link to air pollution, which causes disease. Even healthy individuals experience the harmful effects of polluted air. "Does air pollution cause asthma?" is no longer a matter of debate. The evidence is clear: air pollution plays a significant role in triggering asthma attacks and worsening symptoms.  

This alarming situation demands our immediate attention. Creating a healthy future for ourselves and future generations begins with an understanding of the causes and effects of air pollution. This blog delves into 10 diseases caused by air pollution, highlighting the dangers of this invisible threat and exploring ways to mitigate its impact. By raising awareness and taking action, we can begin to reclaim our right to clean air and a healthy life. 

Table Of Contents 

1. 10 Diseases Caused By Air Pollution  

2. What Are The Causes And Effects Of Air Pollution?  

3. Does Air Pollution Causes Asthma? 

4. Dietitian’s Recommendation 

5. The Final Say 

6. FAQs 

7. References 

10 Diseases Caused By Air Pollution 

While air pollution might seem like an invisible threat, the reality is it can trigger a cascade of health problems. 10 diseases caused by air pollution range from respiratory illnesses to chronic diseases, significantly impacting our well-being. Let’s have a look at them:  

1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 

COPD comprises chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema, both of which are respiratory conditions. It is characterised by an interruption of airflow that, over time, makes breathing difficult and causes lung failure. Air pollution plays an important role in the development and exacerbation of COPD.  

Particulate matter (PM), including PM2.5 and PM10, consists of tiny particles suspended in the air. When inhaled, these substances can penetrate the lungs and cause breathing problems. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emitted from cars, industrial processes, and power plants can also cause COPD. Continued exposure to these pollutants can cause stress and damage to lung epithelial cells, leading to COPD symptoms and accelerating disease progression. 

Also Read: 5 Herbal Teas For Respiratory Health: Clear Your Lungs Naturally  

2. Cardiovascular Diseases 

Air pollution creates a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke. Inhaled air pollution can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, all of which play an essential role in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease.   

Small particles and nitrogen oxides stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the blood, causing oxidative stress and vascular damage. This damage causes an inflammatory response and promotes plaque formation in the arteries, which may lead to atherosclerosis. Additionally, air pollution can directly affect endothelial function and impair blood flow, creating a high risk of thrombosis and heart disease. 

3. Lung Cancer 

Among the 10 diseases caused by air pollution, cancer is a significant concern due to the carcinogenic particles present in polluted air. Long-term exposure to carcinogenic air pollution increases the risk of lung cancer. Benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are the most common carcinogens in air pollution and result from vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and smoking.   

These carcinogens, when inhaled, can accumulate in your lungs, causing genetic changes and encouraging the growth of cancer cells. Combustion sources such as vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions are significant sources of airborne carcinogens, highlighting the importance of reducing emissions to reduce cancer risk.  

4. Neurological Disorders 

Neurological disorders are increasingly recognised as part of 10 diseases caused by air pollution, with pollutants possibly affecting cognitive function. There is a link between air pollution and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cognitive decline. Suspended solids and pollutants in the air can enter blood vessels in the brain, enter the central nervous system, and cause neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Long-term exposure to air is associated with neurodegenerative changes in the brain, including the accumulation of protein aggregates and neuronal damage. These findings highlight the importance of reducing air pollution to protect brain health and reduce the burden of neurological diseases. 

5. Low Birth Weight and Premature Birth 

Exposure to severe air pollution during pregnancy may have adverse effects on birth outcomes like low birth weight and preterm birth. Particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are pollutants of concern because they can cross the placental barrier and affect fetal development.   

Exposure to air during pregnancy can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the placenta, impairing its function and limiting the fetus's development. In addition, pollution can affect the fetus's development, influence the body's development, and increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. These adverse effects highlight the importance of reducing parental exposure to air pollution to protect the health of mothers and children. 

6. Decreased Lung Function In Children  

Children are particularly susceptible to the 10 diseases associated with air pollution, including respiratory infections and developmental issues. Exposure to air can impair lung growth and function and reduce lung capacity. Small particles (PM10 and PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) cause respiratory problems in children, as they can cause pain and respiratory endothelium damage.    

Additionally, air pollution can affect lung growth by affecting lung tissue formation and altering the structure and function of the lung epithelium. These effects can have long-term effects on breathing and make children vulnerable to respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis later in life. Therefore, reducing children's exposure to air pollution is essential in preventing lung diseases and supporting lung development. 

7. Type 2 Diabetes 

Air pollution plays a major role in the development of type 2 diabetes by affecting insulin resistance, systemic diseases, and metabolic dysfunctions. Diesel engine exhaust and other pollutants can disrupt glucose homeostasis by interfering with insulin signalling and increasing insulin resistance. Air pollution is also associated with low blood pressure and elevated inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels. 

8. Respiratory Infections 

Air pollution hampers the immune system, making people more predisposed to 10 diseases caused by air pollution, some of which are pneumonia, seasonal influenza, bronchitis, and flu. Air pollution weakens the body's immune system, causing respiratory infections and creating a favourable environment for infectious and contagious diseases.    

Small particles and nitrogen dioxide can affect and weaken the immune system. Additionally, pollution can damage the respiratory epithelium, affecting the immune system's role. For this reason, people living in areas with poor air quality are more prone to respiratory diseases, especially during periods of high pollution. 

9. Asthma 

Inflammation of airways and bronchoconstriction can cause a chronic respiratory disease, i.e., asthma. It causes recurrent attacks of wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Air pollution causes asthma attacks and exacerbations, especially in people who already have asthma symptoms.   

Fine aerosols (PM2.5) can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause inflammation in the airways. Ozone (O3), the main component of cigarette smoke, is a respiratory irritant that can cause bronchoconstriction and respiratory inflammation. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) from car exhaust and industrial emissions can also damage the lungs and cause asthma. 

10. Allergic Diseases 

Allergens and air pollution cause allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and eczema. Pollutants can increase the air's sensitivity to allergens by promoting their distribution and improving their binding to respiratory epithelial cells.   

Additionally, ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) can directly stimulate the immune system to release pathogens, causing allergic symptoms. Fine suspended particles (PM2.5) can also act as allergens, promoting their entry into the respiratory tract and increasing their ability to cause allergic reactions. These interactions between pollutants and allergens highlight the complexity of 10 diseases caused by air pollution and the importance of addressing environmental and biological factors in their management.   

Also Read: Disease X Pandemic In India: Know its Cases, 6 Symptoms And Response Strategies!  

What Are The Causes And Effects Of Air Pollution? 

The economic burden of air pollution is significant. 10 diseases caused by air pollution led to increased healthcare costs and lost productivity, creating a ripple effect throughout society. Understanding the impact of air pollution is important for formulating strategies to mitigate its impact and protect public health and the environment. Here are the prominent causes and effects of air pollution:  

Also Read: Lungs Detox: Natural Ways To Cleanse Lungs  

Does Air Pollution Causes Asthma? 

Yes, air pollution can and does cause asthma. It causes wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing. Several components of air pollution have been implicated in the development and exacerbation of asthma. It is a chronic disease related to your respiratory tract. Although asthma has genetic and environmental factors, exposure to certain pollutants can cause or exacerbate asthma symptoms in affected individuals, which are:  

1. Particulate Matter (PM) 

Tiny particles suspended in the air, emitted from sources like automobile exhausts, industries, and fires, are known as fine-suspended particulate matter (PM2.5) and coarse particulate matter (PM10). Asthma symptoms may arise from these particles' deep penetration of your airways, which can restrict and inflame them.   

2. Ozone (O3) 

A secondary pollutant known as ground-level ozone is created when sunlight reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Increased ozone levels can aggravate asthma, bronchoconstriction, and oedema.   

3. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) 

Nitrogen dioxide is a gas from combustion sources such as power plants, cars, and industrial processes. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide can cause swelling of the airways, airway obstruction, and worsen asthma symptoms, especially in people with asthma. 

4. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) 

It is a gas formed when fossil fuels like coal and oil are burned. Inhaling SO2 can cause shortness of breath, bronchoconstriction, and asthmatic symptoms, especially in people with sensitive airways.   

5. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) 

Vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and solvents are sources of VOC emissions. When these compounds come in contact with other pollutants in the air, they create secondary pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter that can cause asthma.    

Exposure to these pollutants causes airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and hypersensitivity in asthmatics. Long-term exposure to air is also associated with asthma in the affected population, especially children living in large cities. 

Also Read: 6 Effective Foods For Asthma Control and Beneficial Nutrients  

Dietitian’s Recommendation 

As a dietitian, I recommend focusing on antioxidant-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds to help guard against inflammation. Additionally, staying hydrated and increasing omega-3 fatty acids intake from sources like fish can help improve respiratory and cardiovascular health when dealing with pollution-related issues. 

Dt. Akshata Gandevikar 

The Final Say  

Air and environmental pollution impact human health widely, and many diseases affect people of all ages and regions. The good news is that we can fight back against air pollution. Individual choices matter. Simple steps like opting for public transportation or carpooling can contribute to cleaner air, reducing the risk of the 10 diseases caused by air pollution. By recognising the many effects of air and environmental pollution on health, we can make a concerted effort to protect current and future generations' respiratory, cardiovascular, and skin health and well-being. So, let's work together for a healthier future. By acknowledging the dangers of the 10 diseases caused by air pollution, we can build a cleaner, healthier world for all.  

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