Air Pollution: Pollution is currently wreaking havoc across the world. Now, a new disease caused by it has been discovered. Let us tell you what diseases it causes and how dangerous they are.

Effects of Air Pollution: Air pollution is currently the biggest problem in the world. In India, most cities are affected. In the country's capital, Delhi, air pollution worsens every year during the winter season. This causes a variety of problems, but now, doctors from Delhi AIIMS and several other major hospitals have made a significant revelation. According to them, if you experience joint pain, it is likely due to air pollution. Dr. Pramod Kumar, an expert at Fortis, New Delhi, stated that numerous studies indicate that 12 to 18 percent of people may suffer from joint pain due to air pollution. Let us explain what other diseases, besides arthritis, are being caused by air pollution.

Which organs are affected by air pollution?

According to the WHO, nearly every organ in the body can be affected by air pollution. Tiny particles of contaminants enter the bloodstream through the lungs and spread throughout the body, causing inflammation and diseases like cancer.

What are the diseases associated with air pollution?

Air pollution is a major risk factor for all-cause mortality as well as several specific diseases. The most commonly associated diseases include stroke, ischemic heart disease, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), lung cancer, pneumonia, and cataracts. Some research also suggests that air pollution may have effects on pregnancy, including low birth weight and small childbearing, other cancers, diabetes, memory loss, and neurological diseases.

Which pollutants are the most dangerous?

Although many types of toxins cause harm, those considered to have the greatest impact on health include particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). PM is particularly dangerous because it is so small that it penetrates deep into the lungs, enters the bloodstream, and then travels to various parts of the body, damaging cells and tissues.

Learn more about diseases

cancer

Cancer is one of the most common diseases associated with air pollution. It is caused by carcinogenic particles released when fossil fuels are burned. Cancer can occur in any part of the body, but it is most commonly found in the lungs. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 80 percent of cases. It is less aggressive than small-cell lung cancer and has a better prognosis.

neurological disorders

Air pollution is also linked to several neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disorder characterized by memory loss and impaired thinking. Research has shown that air pollution accelerates its progression.

Gastrointestinal diseases

Several digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis, are also linked to air pollution. Studies have shown that people in areas with higher levels of pollution are more likely to suffer from these diseases.

kidney disease

Air pollution also affects the kidneys. Some of the major forms include chronic kidney disease, a long-term condition that can lead to kidney failure. It's caused by the accumulation of toxins in the body, including those from pollution. Acute kidney injury is a sudden, sometimes reversible, kidney problem that occurs when high levels of pollution, especially particulate matter, enter the body.

Liver Disease

Air pollution also affects the liver. It increases the risk of fatty liver disease, a condition in which fat accumulates in the liver and can lead to inflammation and scarring.

skin diseases

Various skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne, have also been linked to air pollution. Eczema causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Pollution is believed to trigger its onset or flare-ups.

Asthma

Asthma is a disease that causes the airways to narrow, swell, and produce mucus. This causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Major asthma triggers include air pollution, cold weather, and pollen.

bronchitis

Bronchitis is also a common illness associated with air pollution. It causes inflammation and irritation of the bronchi in the lungs. It can be caused by smoke, dust, or chemical fumes. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

arthritis

Now, a new name has been added to this list: arthritis. Experts say that Delhi's toxic air and arthritis are exacerbating the complications of rheumatoid arthritis. Several recent studies have shown that pollution is rapidly increasing in severity. The most convincing evidence for this is found in research on pollution published in the European Medical Journal (2025), which details the many complications it can cause.