Air pollution remains a serious health concern globally. For the last month, neighboring states including Delhi-NCR have been facing the brunt of a polluted environment. Studies have shown it to be harmful to health in many ways. Pollution can be dangerous for everyone from children to the elderly. Research shows that living in a polluted environment can lead to many diseases related to the lungs, heart, and brain, which are considered to increase the risks of premature death.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes 7 million (70 lakh) premature deaths every year. The Health Effects Institute (HEI) estimates that 8.1 million (81 lakh) people will die due to air pollution in the year 2021.
In a study published in a related journal, experts warned that if no comprehensive anti-pollution measures are taken, air pollution may cause the untimely death of 6.6 million people every year by 2050.
Side effects of air pollution
Health experts say air pollution affects your lungs the most. When the microparticles present in polluted air go inside with the breath, it can increase problems for the lungs. This situation can be dangerous and even life-threatening for patients already suffering from respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.
Similarly, air pollution is very harmful for the lungs as well as for people suffering from heart disease. Living in a polluted environment can increase the risk of problems like increased blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke.
Cancer Research UK said in a report, air pollution contains a mixture of many types of micro and harmful particles, which also increases the risk of cancer. All these diseases are considered to increase the risk of premature death.
Controversy over Lancet report
Meanwhile, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has opposed the findings of the Lancet's study which said that the mortality rate has been seriously affected due to poor air quality in ten major cities of the country. CPCB said that the data of this study is not completely correct. Air pollution cannot be directly blamed for the deaths.
The board also said that the satellite data and analysis techniques used in this study do not reflect the real situation of India.
What was Lancet's study?
Lancet said in a study that about 33 thousand deaths occur in India every year due to air pollution. This study was done in ten cities Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Shimla, and Varanasi.
In this regard, CPCB said that according to the report, short-term exposure to PM 2.5 (exposure for a short time) causes a high mortality rate in India. This study has some limitations. That is, there may be some errors or shortcomings in it. CPCB said that the system of death registration works differently in different states and cities of India. Due to this there may be a difference in the figures.
Adequate information was not given in the study about the analysis of causes of death. The board said that when there is no correct information about the death figures, estimates are made from the data. Therefore, it is not right to link these deaths to air pollution.
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