10 Most Significant Diseases Caused by Air Pollution

Air pollution not only results in environmental damage but also adversely affects the health of individuals. As per the official World Health Organisation (WHO) website, air pollution kills an estimated seven million individuals globally every year. There are several diseases caused by air pollution due to the pollutants individuals breathe in. Besides causing respiratory ailments, air pollution also affects several other body parts.

Read on to gain a detailed insight into the various aspects of diseases caused by air pollution!

Team Digit

What are Air Pollution Diseases?
Causes of Air Pollution Diseases
List of Diseases Caused
Air Pollutants That Cause Diseases
Harmful Effects
Signs and Symptoms
Associated Risk Factors
How to Diagnose?
Treatment Methods
Preventive Measures
Does Health Insurance Cover
Frequently Asked Questions

What are Air Pollution Diseases?

Diseases related to air pollution are those that result from human exposure to harmful agents such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The pollutants mentioned above can cause inflammation and irritation of the lung airways, leading to respiratory problems.

Moreover, air pollution is associated with cardiovascular diseases by causing inflammation and oxidative stress. It also increases the risks of lung cancer when there is long-term exposure. This means that children and elderly people have more chances of being affected.

Where are the Causes of Air Pollution Diseases?

Various sources emit these pollutants, leading to air pollution and other diseases. Vehicle emissions like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter contribute to respiratory conditions in the atmosphere. Industrial activities also pollute the environment by releasing chemicals and particulate matter that worsen health issues.

Furthermore, burning fossil fuels for energy produces pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, producing ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter, causing respiratory infections and cardiovascular disease. Other sources include residential heating using solid fuels for cooking, which contributes to indoor and outdoor air pollution, amplifying health risks.

10 Diseases Caused by Air Pollution in Humans

Air pollution profoundly impacts human health, leading to a range of serious diseases. Illustrated below are the various diseases occurring due to air pollution:

1. Cardiovascular Diseases

The fine particulate matter in polluted air can impair the functioning of blood vessels and speeds up calcification in arteries. As per NIEHS researchers, there is a link between short-term daily exposure to nitrogen oxides and an increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke for post-menopausal women.

Exposure to Traffic-Related Air Pollution (TRAP) may lead to lowered levels of high-density lipoprotein (also known as good cholesterol), thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Moreover, as per a report from the National Toxicology Program (NTP), TRAP exposure raises a pregnant woman’s risk of serious blood pressure changes, also called hypertensive disorders. Individuals looking for “which diseases are caused by air pollution” must note that these are a leading cause of maternal and foetal illness and death, pre-term birth, and low birth weight.

2. Respiratory Diseases

Air pollution causes diseases like asthma, emphysema, and other respiratory ailments like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). All these ailments result from the massive impact of air pollutants on lung development. COPD refers to multiple diseases like emphysema and bronchitis caused due to lung damage because of air pollutants, making it difficult for an individual to breathe.

Moreover, individuals searching “which disease is caused by air pollution” must note that nitrogen oxide and particulate matter (PM) are associated with cases of chronic bronchitis.

Toxic air pollutants can lead to lower respiratory infections that can show up as pneumonia or other ailments. Children are more vulnerable to the development of acute lower respiratory tract infections because their lungs and bodies are still developing. Furthermore, emissions of soot and other pollutants have a harder impact on them compared to adults, thereby leading to several diseases caused by air pollution.

3. Heart Disease

Recent research implies that air pollution accelerates the blockage of arteries, which leads to an increased incidence of ischemic heart disease. Coronary heart disease or ischemic heart disease are names of diseases caused by air pollution, which are associated with the build-up of calcium or other materials like fat within the coronary artery. This, in turn, results in blockages that prevent blood from reaching the heart and other body parts.

4. Cancer

The WHO determined in 2013 that particle pollution can lead to lung cancer. Plus, according to the NIEHS Sister Study, other toxic airborne substances, particularly methylene chloride, which is used in paint removers and aerosol products, are also linked with an increased risk of breast cancer.

In addition to these, individuals willing to know which disease is caused by air pollution must note that occupational exposure to benzene (an industrial chemical and a component of gasoline) can result in leukaemia. Exposure to this compound can also lead to non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

5. Strokes

Particulate air pollution causes strokes that occur when the blood supply to the brain is cut-off. These are one of the diseases caused by air pollution and can prove to be fatal, leading to brain damage or death.In addition to these immediate effects, survivors of such strokes may suffer long-term disabilities, such as impaired speech, mobility, or cognitive function.

6. Allergies

It can be said that the allergens in the air are amplified by atmospheric pollution, thus increasing allergic reactions. Importantly, pollutants like particulate matter and ozone can irritate people's airways, heightening their sensitivities to allergens like mould and pollen, eventually resulting in more frequent and severe allergy attacks.

7. Chronic Sinusitis

Exposure to air pollutants over a long period may result in chronic sinusitis, which is characterised by constant inflammation and swelling of the sinuses. Such symptoms include nasal congestion, facial pain and sinus headaches. In addition, chronic sinusitis usually affects daily activities significantly and sometimes necessitates regular medication.

8. Diabetes

New evidence has shown that there is an increased tendency to develop type 2 diabetes due to exposure to polluted air, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This ultimately leads to insulin resistance because the contaminants can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, which subsequently leads to the condition associated with pre-diabetes.

9. Pregnancy Complications

Air pollution is connected to other problems associated with pregnancy, like low birth weight, preterm birth and infant developmental disorders (Araújo, 2017). Women exposed to pollutants during pregnancy are at risk of damaging both their health and that of the developing foetus. This can impair normal development in the long run.

10. Neurological Disorders

Some studies suggest that there may be a connection between exposure to air pollution over many years and cognitive decline or neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. The brain function can be affected by pollutants due to inflammation, which can lead to oxidative damage.

Which Air Pollutants Lead to Diseases in the Human Body?

Polluted air consists of several air pollutants which are responsible for causing harm to the human body. Some of these toxic pollutants that contribute towards the occurrence of various diseases caused by air pollution are:

Pollutant	Description
Particulate Matter (PM10, PM2.5)	Particulate matter (PM) contains small airborne particles such as soot, drops of liquids, and dust. Most particulate matter in urban regions results from burning fossil fuels in automobiles, power plants, non-road equipment, and industrial facilities. Other sources include diesel emissions, dust, and secondary particle formation from vapours and gases. Coarse particulate matter or PM10 refers to particles that are less than 10 microns in diameter and are responsible for causing nasal and upper respiratory tract health issues. On the other hand, fine particles of PM2.5 measure less than 2.5 microns in diameter. These particles penetrate deeper into the lungs and lead to several diseases caused by air pollution in India, like strokes, asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks, lung disease, cancer, and premature death from heart ailments. Higher PM2.5 exposure also results in impairing brain development in children.
Nitrogen Oxides (NO And NO2)	The transportation sector is primarily responsible for generating nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrogen oxide (NO). NOx, a combination of NO2 and NO, forms in high concentrations around roadways. It can lead to exacerbations and the development of bronchitis and asthma. It also increases the risk of heart disease.
Black Carbon (BC)	Black carbon is a component of particulate matter and forms due to burning fuel, especially wood, coal, and diesel. The majority of the air pollution regulations focus on PM2.5, but black carbon exposure can lead to severe health issues. Individuals with high exposure to BC over an extended period are at higher risk of stroke and heart attack. Moreover, names of other diseases caused by air pollution, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, asthma, hypertension, and different kinds of cancer, are linked with black carbon.
Sulphur dioxide (SO2)	The presence of sulphur dioxide in the air is mainly due to the burning of fossil fuels containing sulphur. Ship engines, heavy diesel equipment, etc., burn fuel that contains sulphur. SO2 increases susceptibility to respiratory infections, leads to eye irritation, affects the cardiovascular system, and worsens asthma. When sulphur dioxide combines with water, it leads to the formation of a known contributor to deforestation and the major component of acid rain - sulphuric acid.
Ozone (O3)	Ozone that is high in the atmosphere protects from ultraviolet radiation. But, ozone present at ground level acts as a severe respiratory irritant and can cause various diseases caused by air pollution. Ozone forms in the atmosphere through reactions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. Both these result from the combustion of fossil fuels. Short-term exposure to ozone leads to throat infection, chest pain, and coughing. On the other hand, long-term exposure results in decreased lung function and leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Moreover, exposure to ozone can aggravate existing lung ailments.

What Are the Harmful Effects of Air-Borne Diseases?

Airborne diseases severely affect the respiratory system, making them highly dangerous for people. Some harmful effects of air-borne diseases include:

These diseases cause severe symptoms like cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain, thereby affecting an individual's daily activities and general well-being.
These illnesses also lead to additional complications such as fever, tiredness or severe cases of organ failure or death.
When outbreaks occur, there are usually two major consequences, one being a high mortality rate. On the other hand, morbidity rates increase significantly, thus straining the already burdened medical facilities/resources.
Children, old people and patients with pre-existing conditions are at a greater risk of having severe outcomes and longer recovery periods.
Spread control and lessening the impact of airborne diseases is a must through effective measures like vaccines and good hygiene.

Signs and Symptoms of Diseases Caused by Air Pollution

Air pollution causes various dangerous health effects. Identifying signs and symptoms of illnesses caused by polluted air is important for timely treatment and management.

Problems Related to Breathing: Continual coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath can also indicate deteriorating conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. These may become more serious with constant exposure to pollutants.
Cardiovascular Symptoms: When exposed to dirty air, one might experience chest pains, irregular heartbeats as well as increased risks of heart attacks and strokes. Eventually, these symptoms may worsen pre-existing heart problems.
Allergic Reactions: Pollutants in the atmosphere can cause allergy symptoms, intensifying sneezing fits, nasal congestion, or itching eyes. On the other hand, for individuals who already have allergies, their situation becomes worse.
Fatigue and Headaches: Regular tiredness, recurring headaches, and dizziness are some of the impacts of poor air quality on daily activities. Spending a long time in polluted air may also lead to general fatigue, which affects overall well-being.
Skin Irritation: Airborne allergens can cause rashes and itchiness or worsen existing skin problems. Further exposure to a polluted atmosphere worsens skin health, leading to more problematic persistent skin conditions.
Reduced Lung Function: Extended contact with air pollution reduces lung capacity, making it hard to take deep breaths or participate in physical exercises. This decrease is linked to long-term breathing conditions.
Eye Irritation: Itchy and watery eyes, among other symptoms, are common due to airborne irritants. Prolonged exposure to such pollutants can result in continuous eye discomfort, which could require frequent eye drops or other interventions.

What Are the Different Risk Factors for Diseases Caused By Air Pollution?

The risk factors for diseases aggravated by air pollution include geographical location and lifestyle habits.

Risk Factor	Description
Age	Children and the elderly are more susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution due to their vulnerable health conditions.
Pre-existing Health Conditions	Individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, such as asthma or heart disease, are at higher risk of exacerbation from air pollution.
Occupational Exposure	Jobs that involve exposure to pollutants, such as construction or factory work, increase the risk of related diseases.
Smoking	Smokers are more likely to suffer from the effects of air pollution, as smoking already compromises lung function.
Geographical Location	Living in areas with high industrial emissions or heavy traffic levels can increase exposure to harmful pollutants.
Genetics	Genetic predispositions can make some individuals more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.
Lifestyle Factors	Poor lifestyle choices, such as lack of physical activity, can exacerbate the health impacts of air pollution.

Both outdoor and indoor air pollutants cause harm to individuals. Individuals come in contact with indoor air pollutants mainly from using biomass, wood, and coal for cooking food. The levels of outdoor air pollution are worse in regions undergoing rapid industrialisation. Huge population areas having unsustainable emission policies are the highest risk areas for living.

How to Diagnose Diseases Caused by Air Pollution?

Diagnosing diseases caused by air pollution involves identifying symptoms and linking them to pollution exposure. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and mitigating long-term health impacts.

Diagnostic Method	Description
Medical History and Physical Exam	Evaluates symptoms and exposure history, including recent environmental conditions and occupational exposures.
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)	Measures lung function to assess conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by evaluating airflow and lung capacity.
Chest X-Ray	Visualises lung structure to identify damage or abnormalities, such as inflammation or fluid accumulation caused by air pollution.
CT Scan of the Chest	Provides detailed imaging to detect more subtle changes in lung tissue and evaluate the extent of damage or disease progression.
Blood Tests	Assesses overall health and detects inflammation or infection markers related to exposure to air pollutants.
Allergy Testing	Identifies allergic reactions to specific pollutants or environmental allergens contributing to respiratory symptoms.
Spirometry	A specific type of pulmonary function test measures how much and quickly air can be expelled from the lungs, helping diagnose conditions like asthma and COPD.
Environmental Monitoring	Measures exposure levels to air pollutants in the patient's environment to correlate symptoms with specific pollutants.

Treatment Methods for Air Pollution Diseases

Air pollution causes diseases that can be effectively treated by managing symptoms, improving quality of life, and reducing exposure to harmful pollutants.

Medications: Bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and other medicines are prescribed to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation related to asthma and COPD.
Oxygen supplementation: In such cases, oxygen therapy aims to improve breathing patterns and raise oxygen levels.
Modifications to lifestyle: Measures that may be suggested include staying indoors during high-pollution days, quitting smoking and improving indoor air quality.
Lifestyle Changes: Structured programs involving exercises, education, and counselling can enhance lung capability in pulmonary rehabilitation.
Environment controls: Using air purifiers is one possible measure for dealing with this problem, along with keeping windows closed during high pollution.
Immunisation: Preventive measures against respiratory infections that could complicate air pollution-related conditions like flu shots or pneumonia vaccinations.
Nutritional Support: Diets rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods are recommended to help mitigate the effects of air pollution on health status
Medical Follow-Up: Regular reviews with medical practitioners enable periodic assessments of progress achieved while providing room for modification.

What Are the Preventive Measures to Control Disease Caused by Air Pollution?

Controlling diseases caused by air pollution implies implementing innovative control strategies like creating technology to lower emissions and instituting emissions standards.

Source control is an ideal strategy for lowering air pollution. It involves stopping pollution at the source level through several steps, such as using less polluting fuels in nature and improving the efficiency of industrial processes.

Implementing technology to lower emission levels can improve the overall quality of air. For example, using electrostatic precipitators, mechanical collectors and filters on tailpipes and scrubbers on smokestacks are some methods of limiting air pollution. Moreover, combining clean air technology innovations with economic incentives such as emissions caps and emissions trading will encourage organisations to adopt clean energy technology.

In some cases, geographic locations are also responsible for poor air quality. This is because of the proximity of a particular area to pollution-producing establishments like factories. In these cases, building owners can address the concerns of the building occupants by ensuring that HVAC systems contain quality, high-efficiency air filters. The air filters are capable of handling particles down to sub-micron size and ozone as well.

Thus, individuals must take note of the various details related to diseases caused by air pollution mentioned above. Besides this, they should also adopt preventive measures for keeping these ailments at bay.

Does Health Insurance Cover Air Pollution Diseases?

Health insurance typically covers diseases caused by air pollution, such as respiratory conditions and cardiovascular issues. Policies generally include treatment for conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart attacks, and strokes, which can be worsened by poor air quality.

However, coverage details can vary based on the specific insurance plan. It's important to review your policy and consult with your insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage for air pollution-related diseases and any preventive measures or treatments included.

Diseases caused by air pollution present significant health risks, impacting respiratory, cardiovascular, and overall well-being. Thus, individuals must take note of the various details related to diseases caused by air pollution mentioned above. Besides this, they should also adopt preventive measures for keeping these ailments at bay and have a clear understanding of health insurance coverage to manage the effects and improve public health outcomes.

FAQs about Diseases Caused by Air Pollution

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What are the symptoms of acute particle pollution exposure?

Acute particle pollution exposure for a few hours or days can aggravate respiratory diseases, thereby leading to acute bronchitis and asthma attacks. Plus, it can also increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. It also leads to ischemic strokes, exacerbations of heart failure, heart attacks, and some kinds of arrhythmia in individuals having cardiovascular diseases.

Should older patients reduce particle pollution exposure on days when air quality is unhealthy?

Yes. Older adults, especially individuals having prevalent respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, are at a higher risk from the adverse impacts of particle pollution exposure. Therefore, such individuals must limit their exposure whenever possible.

What are common diseases caused by air pollution?

Common diseases caused by air pollution include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular diseases, and lung cancer.

How does air pollution affect respiratory health?

Air pollution can exacerbate respiratory conditions, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Can air pollution cause heart problems?

Yes, long-term exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues.

Who is most at risk from air pollution?

Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.

How can I reduce my exposure to air pollution?

Avoid outdoor activities during high pollution times, use air purifiers indoors, and reduce your use of vehicles and other sources of pollution.

Are there any vaccines for diseases caused by air pollution?

Yes, vaccines for respiratory infections, such as flu and pneumonia shots, can help protect against illnesses exacerbated by air pollution.

What role does diet play in managing air pollution-related health issues?

A diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods can help mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution on health.

Can air pollution affect mental health?

Yes, emerging research suggests that air pollution may be linked to cognitive decline and mental health issues, such as depression.

When should I seek medical help for symptoms related to air pollution?

Seek medical help if you experience persistent or worsening respiratory symptoms, chest pain, or a pre-existing condition that seems to be aggravated by air pollution.

How does long-term exposure to air pollution affect children?

Long-term exposure to air pollution can impair lung development in children, leading to chronic respiratory problems and reduced lung function, increasing the risk of developing asthma and other respiratory illnesses later in life.

Can indoor air pollution be harmful?

Yes, indoor air pollution, caused by tobacco smoke, cooking fumes, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household products, can contribute to respiratory and other health problems.

What are some natural ways to protect against air pollution?

Increasing indoor plants, using essential oil diffusers, and maintaining a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help combat the effects of air pollution by improving air quality and boosting the immune system.