Here's How Exposure To Air Pollution Constantly Affects Your Health

Constant exposure to air pollution is a serious health concern. It doesn't just affect your lungs, it can impact nearly every organ in your body over time. Air pollution, which includes fine particles, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulphur dioxide, and carbon monoxide, can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and long-term damage to cells and tissues. Breathing in polluted air regularly can lead to both immediate and chronic health problems, even if symptoms aren't always visible right away. In this article, we discuss how exposure to air pollution constantly can affect your health.

9 Ways constant exposure to air pollution affects your health

1. Respiratory diseases

Prolonged exposure to air pollutants can irritate the airways, damage lung tissues, and lead to chronic conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) gets deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and making it harder to breathe, especially in children and older adults.

2. Cardiovascular problems

Pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in blood vessels, raising the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and arrhythmias. Long-term exposure is known to accelerate the hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis), making it a hidden but major risk factor for heart disease.

3. Weakened immune system

Airborne toxins can impair the immune system's ability to respond properly to infections. This makes people more vulnerable to viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. Long-term exposure may also lead to autoimmune issues, where the immune system begins attacking healthy tissues.

4. Increased cancer risk

Long-term exposure to polluted air, especially substances like benzene, formaldehyde, and diesel exhaust, increases the risk of lung cancer and potentially bladder, breast, and skin cancers. The World Health Organisation has classified outdoor air pollution as a carcinogen due to its proven link to cancer development.

5. Neurological effects

Emerging research shows a strong link between air pollution and cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Fine particles can cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to inflammation and oxidative stress in brain tissue, affecting memory, learning, and mental health over time.

6. Mental health impact

Studies have found that constant exposure to polluted environments can increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal tendencies. Polluted air may trigger neuroinflammation, which is believed to affect the brain's chemical balance and emotional regulation.

7. Hormonal imbalance

Some pollutants act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormones like oestrogen, insulin, and thyroid hormones. This can lead to fertility issues, irregular menstrual cycles, thyroid dysfunction, and even contribute to obesity and diabetes.

8. Skin problems

Air pollution accelerates skin aging, causes acne flare-ups, eczema, and hyperpigmentation. Pollutants settle on the skin, breaking down collagen and increasing oxidative stress, leading to dull, irritated, or inflamed skin.

9. Reduced lung development in children

Children exposed to polluted air may experience stunted lung growth, making them more prone to respiratory issues as they grow. It can also worsen asthma symptoms and increase the risk of lung infections like pneumonia in early years.

Reduce your air pollution exposure to avoid these health problems.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.