Air Pollution is known to be causing much harm to human health spreading to all the organs of the human body. According to the 2010 Global Burden of Disease report, outdoor air pollution caused more than 6,20,000 premature deaths in India.
- Lung Care Foundation
- 011 - 4225 2328
- lung@lcf.org.in
ILL Effects of Air Pollution
ILL Effects of Air Pollution
Known Effects of Pollution on Various Organs of the Body
Effect on Eyes
First impact of pollution on our bodies are usually seen on our eyes.
Pollution triggers allergic reaction in the eyes such as severe itching, redness, discharge, eyelid swelling, inability to open eyes, vision problem and risk of infection (conjunctivitis, ulcers).
Effects on Reproductive & Neonate Health
Air pollution is known to have very adverse effect on reproductive and neonatal health. Some of the common problems linking air pollutions and reproductive / neonatal health are mentioned below
- Male & Female infertility
- Miscarriage
- Difficult pregnancies
- Premature & low birth weight infants
- Congenital abnormalities including Downs syndrome, mental & physical retardation, physical deformity, organ deformity etc.
Air Pollution is known to cause genetic mutation / alteration in the structure of the genes, thus passing the ill-effects of pollution for generations to come. Hence it is very important that we act now to reduce pollution.
Effect on Heart
Air pollution is known to cause great effect on the health of the heart. Research studies have shown links between prolonged exposure to Air Pollution and heart problems like –Hypertension, Heart attack, Heart Failure etc.
Effect on Brain
Prolonged exposure to Air Pollution especially in high concentrations of Ultrafine Particulate Matter is known to be causing inflammation and blockage of arteries leading to STROKE
Prolonged exposure to Mercury leads to -
- Potent neurotoxins
- Damage to brain and neurological functioning especially in unborn children and infants
Prolonged exposure to Lead causes
- Long term mental & Socio-emotional effects
- Developmental delays (retardation) in cognitive functioning
Effects on Skin and Hair
Our skin and hair also get highly affected by pollution. Even short-term exposure can cause the following problems in our skin and hair.
Examples: Ground level ozone, Photochemical smog, acid rain, Peroxyacetyl Nitrate (PAN) etc.
- hair fall, dandruff and poor hair texture
- decreased moisture and elasticity
- acne
- dull and dry skin
- eczema
- skin allergies
- rashes
- wrinkles and premature aging
- ozone depletion and ultraviolet radiation leading to Skin Cancer
Effect on Lungs and Respiratory System
Respiratory System and Lungs being the first line of defence for the body to deal with air and its pollutants is the most affected human organ when concerned to Air Pollution. Some common effects are mentioned below –
Nose
- Dryness and irritation of nasal cavity
- Sinus infection
Trachea (windpipe)
- Cough, phlegm, tracheal tumour etc
Lungs
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Lung Cancer
Since 2015, Lung Care Foundation has touched millions of lives
through its digital and media campaigns
and trained over 15000 lung ambassadors
through awareness camps
We continue to work towards our vision through collaboration with Schools, RWAs, PSUs, Healthcare Providers, Corporate Houses, Start-Ups & Other Healthcare professionals to make maximum impact and work towards the
“Care & Cure of 2.6 Billion Lungs of India”.
