How Pollution Impacts Health — From Respiratory Issues To Mental Health

Pollution is not just an environmental issue, it's a major health threat. Combating it requires collective action from individuals, communities, industries, and governments to ensure a better future.

{By: Dr Mrinmoy Mitra}

Pollution has become a global health crisis, with its effects being felt across all age groups, especially in urban and industrialised areas. It leads to both short-term and long-term health problems, some of which can be fatal. Here's an overview of how different types of pollution impact human health.

1. Air Pollution

• Respiratory Issues: It causes asthma exacerbation, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), different respiratory infections, and worsens lung function.
• Cardiovascular Diseases: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension.
• Cancer Risk: Long-term exposure to pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde can lead to lung cancer.
• Neurological Effects: Linked to cognitive decline, especially in children and the elderly, and may increase the risk of dementia.
• Pregnancy Complications: Increases the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental delays in children.

2. Water Pollution

• Waterborne Diseases: It causes cholera, typhoid, diarrhea, and hepatitis A due to consumption of contaminated water.
• Heavy Metal Toxicity: Exposure to arsenic, lead, and mercury can lead to kidney damage, neurological disorders, and developmental issues in children.
• Skin Conditions: Direct contact with polluted water can cause skin irritation, rashes, and infections.

3. Soil Pollution

• Food Contamination: Polluted soil leads to the accumulation of toxins in crops, which when consumed, affect organs like the liver and kidneys.
• Cancer And Genetic Disorders: Long-term exposure to soil contaminants such as pesticides and industrial waste can result in cancer and genetic mutations.
• Developmental Problems: Children exposed to soil pollution may experience delayed physical and mental development.

4. Noise Pollution

• Hearing Loss: Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause permanent hearing damage.
• Stress And Sleep Disorders: Constant noise leads to sleep disturbances, stress, anxiety, and increased risk of heart disease.
• Cognitive Impairment: Particularly in children, it affects concentration, memory, and learning abilities.

5. Light Pollution

• Disrupted Circadian Rhythm: Excessive artificial light exposure at night affects sleep quality and hormone production (e.g., melatonin).
• Mental Health: Linked to mood disorders like depression and anxiety due to poor sleep.

Preventive Measures

• Use of masks in high-pollution zones, must for patients with chronic respiratory illnesses.
• Drinking filtered or clean RO water.
• Promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
• Urban planning that includes green spaces and noise-reduction strategies.
• Policy interventions and stricter environmental regulations.

The author, Dr Mrinmoy Mitra, is a Consultant Pulmonologist, at ILS Hospitals, Dumdum

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]