Lung Diseases You Are Prone To If Exposed To Air Pollution

Air pollution can significantly increase the risk of lung diseases. Pollutants such as fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds can enter the respiratory system and cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage to lung tissues. Long-term exposure to polluted air weakens lung function, makes individuals more susceptible to infections, and can worsen pre-existing respiratory conditions. The tiny particles in polluted air penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, contributing to chronic lung diseases, respiratory infections, and lung cancer. Keep reading as we share a list of lung diseases you may be susceptible to due to air pollution exposure.

Lung diseases you are prone to if exposed to air pollution

1. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Long-term exposure to air pollution is a major risk factor for COPD, a progressive lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Pollutants like PM2.5 and NO₂ cause inflammation and damage to the airways, making breathing difficult. Over time, the lungs lose elasticity, and mucus builds up, leading to persistent coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness.

2. Asthma

Air pollution is a well-known trigger for asthma attacks. Pollutants such as ozone (O₃) and particulate matter irritate the airways, causing inflammation and making them more sensitive to allergens. People exposed to high pollution levels may experience increased asthma symptoms, including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

3. Lung cancer

Long-term exposure to toxic air pollutants, particularly carcinogens like benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), increases the risk of lung cancer. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can penetrate deep into lung tissue, leading to DNA damage, mutations, and uncontrolled cell growth, eventually developing into cancer.

4. Respiratory infections

Air pollution weakens the immune response in the respiratory tract, making individuals more prone to bacterial and viral infections. Exposure to pollutants can impair the lungs' ability to clear pathogens, increasing the risk of pneumonia and bronchitis, especially in children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

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5. Pulmonary fibrosis

Certain air pollutants, particularly silica, asbestos, and heavy metals, can cause scarring of lung tissue, leading to pulmonary fibrosis. This disease results in thick, stiff lung tissue, making it increasingly difficult to breathe. Long-term exposure to industrial and environmental pollutants can accelerate lung scarring, leading to progressive respiratory failure.

6. Emphysema

A form of COPD, emphysema occurs when pollutants damage the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs), reducing their ability to exchange oxygen efficiently. This leads to chronic shortness of breath and irreversible lung damage, often worsened by prolonged exposure to air pollution.

7. Lung development issues in children

Children exposed to high levels of air pollution may experience stunted lung development, making them more prone to respiratory diseases later in life. Pollutants can interfere with normal lung growth, reducing lung capacity and function, leading to lifelong breathing problems.

Air pollution poses a severe threat to respiratory health, making it essential to take preventive measures such as wearing masks in polluted areas, using air purifiers indoors, and supporting policies that reduce air pollution levels.

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.