Air Pollution's Impact: India's Health Crisis

Air pollution in India is a serious environmental issue that affects the health of the population. India has some of the worst levels of air pollution globally, with 14 of the 15 most polluted cities in the world being in India. Air pollution is responsible for millions of deaths in India every year, with the main contributors being industrial and vehicular emissions, construction, and the burning of crops, wood, and dung for cooking and heating. The poor air quality in India has severe health impacts, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and it reduces the average life expectancy in the country. The problem of air pollution in India is complex and requires coordinated efforts across various sectors to implement effective solutions.

Children

Air pollution is a severe threat to children's health in India, causing respiratory infections, asthma, cognitive developmental issues, and lifelong health problems. Children are more vulnerable to air pollution than adults due to their higher breathing rate, proximity to ground-level sources of pollution, and the fact that their organs are still developing. Here are some key ways in which air pollution affects children in India:

Respiratory Infections and Asthma

Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Impacts

Air pollution has been linked to negative effects on neurodevelopment and cognitive ability in children. Exposure to pollutants during pregnancy can affect the developing baby and increase the risk of asthma and childhood cancer.

Low Birth Weight and Premature Birth

Pregnant women who breathe polluted air are more likely to give birth to prematurely, and their babies may have low birth weights. This can have lifelong health consequences and increase the risk of developmental delays.

Chronic Diseases

Stunted Growth

Studies have shown that exposure to air pollution during early life can negatively impact children's height and weight, with more significant effects on poorer households. Stunting can have long-lasting consequences on a child's cognition, increase vulnerability to hypertension and diabetes, and adversely affect their earnings in adulthood.

Increased Risk of Anemia

Air pollution has been identified as a factor contributing to a higher risk of anemia in children.

The effects of air pollution on children's health in India are widespread and severe, underscoring the urgency to reduce air pollution and protect children's well-being.

Pregnant women

Air pollution in India is a serious issue, and it is particularly harmful to pregnant women and their babies. Contaminants in the air can cross the placenta, affecting the health of the placenta itself and disrupting the baby's development.

A study from Durban, South Africa, found that prenatal exposure to air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), was associated with adverse birth outcomes. These outcomes included preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age. The study suggested that local government officials have a responsibility to better control air pollution and that healthcare providers should advise pregnant women about the risks of air pollution during pregnancy.

In India, air pollution is caused primarily by industrial pollution, vehicle emissions, construction dust and debris, the use of thermal power for electricity, waste burning, and the use of wood and dung for cooking and heating by low-income and rural households. A study based on 2016 data found that at least 140 million people in India breathe air that is ten times or more over the safe limit set by the World Health Organization.

The effects of air pollution on pregnancy outcomes in India are likely to be significant. A 2013 analysis of 14 population-level studies found a correlation between exposure to certain pollutants, particularly nitrogen dioxide, and a higher risk of low birth weight. Additionally, a 2019 study of women in New England found that exposure to nitrogen dioxide throughout pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of pregnancy loss after 30 days, but not in the first 30 days, after a positive pregnancy test. This suggests that later pregnancy losses may be more susceptible to the detrimental effects of air pollution exposure.

Overall, air pollution in India poses a significant risk to pregnant women and their babies, and it is crucial that local governments and healthcare providers take steps to address this issue and mitigate the potential harm to pregnant women and their babies.

The elderly

India's elderly population is highly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. With India's air quality being consistently ranked among the worst in the world, the elderly face heightened risks of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The high levels of particulate matter, industrial emissions, and air toxins in the air contribute to a range of health issues among the elderly, including asthma, bronchitis, COPD, lung cancer, and heart attacks.

The impact of air pollution on the elderly is evident in the increased prevalence of respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is now the leading cause of death in India after heart disease, and the elderly are particularly susceptible to its debilitating effects. The toxic air quality exacerbates existing respiratory conditions and increases the likelihood of hospital visits and emergency room admissions.

In addition to respiratory issues, air pollution also takes a toll on the cardiovascular health of the elderly. The high levels of air pollution in India have been linked to an elevated risk of heart attacks and strokes, with air toxins contributing to an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases.

Furthermore, air pollution has been implicated in the development of cognitive impairments and Alzheimer's disease. The toxic air increases the risk of cognitive decline and can accelerate the onset of Alzheimer's, affecting the elderly population's mental health and well-being.

The impact of air pollution on the elderly in India is profound, shortening their life expectancy significantly. On average, air pollution reduces the life expectancy of Indians by 5.3 years, with some districts experiencing even more drastic reductions. The elderly bear the brunt of this, as their advanced age coupled with the detrimental effects of air pollution takes a toll on their overall health and longevity.

To mitigate these impacts, India has implemented various initiatives to reduce air pollution, including the National Clean Air Programme, which aims to reduce particulate matter concentrations, and the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana scheme, which provides clean cooking fuel to low-income households. However, more comprehensive and stringent measures are needed to effectively protect the elderly and vulnerable populations from the harmful effects of air pollution.

The poor

India's poor are disproportionately affected by the country's air pollution crisis. In rural areas, where two-thirds of India's population live, 80% of households rely on biomass like wood and dung for cooking and heating. This is a major source of indoor air pollution, which the World Health Organization considers especially dangerous for children. Indoor air pollution causes 300,000 to 400,000 deaths in India each year, and children exposed to it are more likely to develop asthma and acquire infections like tuberculosis.

In addition, the poor are more likely to live in northern states, where air pollution is most severe. Here, the Himalayas prevent the dispersal of pollution, acting as a barrier to the north. In two districts east of Delhi, Hapur and Bulandshahr, air pollution reduces life expectancy by 12 years—the greatest reduction in life expectancy due to air pollution anywhere in the world.

Finally, the poor are more likely to work in industries that contribute to air pollution. For example, the brick manufacturing industry, which is a significant source of particulate matter pollution, often relies on manual labour.

The unwell

Air pollution in India is a serious issue that affects the health of the population, particularly those who are already unwell. Long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution can have detrimental effects on people's health, and India's poor air quality is taking a toll on its residents. Here's how it impacts the unwell:

Respiratory Issues

People with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. The pollutants in the air can trigger asthma attacks and exacerbate symptoms of COPD, making it difficult for those affected to breathe. Lung cancer rates have also increased, with doctors seeing a shift in patient profiles. Dr Arvind Kumar, a chest surgeon at New Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, has noted that in recent years, half of his lung cancer patients have been non-smokers, and 40% have been women. The air pollution in India, caused by factors like industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, and crop burning, is putting people at risk of developing severe lung conditions.

Cardiovascular Problems

Air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks, heart disease, and strokes. Particulate matter and harmful pollutants inhaled over long periods can have detrimental effects on heart health, especially for those already suffering from cardiovascular diseases.

Alzheimer's Disease

There is also growing evidence that air pollution may be a key factor in accelerating the onset of Alzheimer's disease in India. While more research is needed to establish a direct link, the high levels of air pollution are concerning for those already at risk or suffering from this debilitating condition.

Diabetes

Air pollution has been identified as a risk factor for various health issues, and diabetes is one of them. The high levels of air pollution in India, particularly in northern cities, put residents at an elevated risk of developing diabetes. This adds to the burden of an already prevalent disease, affecting the quality of life for many.

Children and Pregnant Women

Children and pregnant women are also vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. Exposure to air pollution during the first trimester of pregnancy can negatively impact the development of the foetus, leading to low birth weight and increasing the risk of asthma and infections in children. In Bangalore, around 50% of children suffer from asthma, highlighting the impact of air pollution on their respiratory health.

Stunted Growth and Development

Air pollution doesn't just affect physical health; it also impacts children's growth and development. Studies have shown that exposure to air pollution can lead to stunted growth, with children exhibiting decreased height-for-age and weight-for-age measures. This can have long-lasting effects on their overall health and well-being, making them more susceptible to diseases later in life.

The impact of air pollution on the unwell in India is profound and far-reaching. It exacerbates existing conditions and increases the risk of developing new ones, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to combat this issue.

Frequently asked questions