‘Air Pollution India’s Biggest Health Hazard’
Air pollution is world’s top environmental health risk … – Times of India
Air is perhaps, the most important element for life. One cannot imagine a life without air. But, the swift industrialization and urbanization, is heavily taxing the air we breath. With the introduction of new methods for detection, the term air pollutants is no longer confined to the emission of greenhouse gases or smoke, it now encompasses a wide range of pollutants like Dust Particles, Pollen, PM 2.5 particulates, Soot, VOC, NOx, Odor, Carbon Monoxide, Bacteria and Virus etc. these pollutants are known to trigger and cause a wide variety of health issues.
Just like ‘Access to Clean Water’, ‘Access to Clean and pure Air’ is also a fundamental right of every individual. The air we breathe must be free of pollutants and particulates and it can only be achieved by a blend of ‘Technology and Trust’.
Increasing Air Pollution in India
Over the years, air pollution is fast becoming the world’s biggest environmental health risk. Contrary to the belief, the indoor air is more polluted than air outside. Studies have found that indoor air can be 4 to 5 times more polluted than the air outside.
Impact of Air Pollution
As reported in the media, close to 1.3 million Indians die every year due to adverse effects of indoor air pollution. Air pollution is a leading risk factor for diseases, like ischemia, myocardial infarction, bronchitis, asthma, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and many more.
Lung cancer deaths due to air pollution have increased significantly since 2005. As reported in the media, around 30% of all lung cancer deaths can be attributed to the joint effects of household and ambient air pollution. Indoor air pollution is more hazardous to health as it is released in close proximity to people. The ill effects may arise after just a single exposure as well as repeated exposure, and can range from irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Longer exposure to indoor air pollutants can lead to serious health issues.
