New research in India exposes a dangerous link: the country's toxic air is a major cause of heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses. This challenges prior doubts and highlights the urgent need for clean air initiatives to protect public health
A growing body of research in India is painting a bleak picture: the country's severe air pollution is a leading cause of various illnesses, particularly non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease and diabetes. These findings challenge the stance of some Indian politicians, who have previously questioned the link between air pollution and health issues.
The urgency is clear: India is home to 80 of the world's 100 most polluted cities. This toxic air is taking a heavy toll on public health, worsening conditions like anaemia, high blood pressure, diabetes, and mental health problems.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that NCDs cause 74 percent of deaths globally, and air pollution is a major risk factor. As India's air quality deteriorates, the burden of NCDs is expected to rise further.
Pregnant women and young children are especially vulnerable. Air pollution can affect foetal development and harm a child's physical and cognitive abilities.
Studies are ongoing, but research gaps remain. Dr. Swaminathan, now co-chair of a new global air quality commission, highlights the need for more data, particularly from rural areas.
One surprising finding is that women staying indoors can be exposed to more pollutants than men working outside. This problem, linked to indoor cooking fuel choices, is relevant to other developing countries.
Another alarming discovery is that air pollution doesn't just affect the lungs; it can damage the heart, blood vessels, and brain. The State of the Global Air Report 2024 lists air pollution as the second-highest risk factor for death after hypertension, which air pollution itself can worsen.
Professor Sagnik Dey from the Indian Institute of Technology emphasises the need to address air quality alongside existing hypertension control programmes.
While most research on air pollution's link to hypertension comes from developed countries, Indian studies are catching up. This is especially crucial considering all five of the top five most polluted countries are low-middle-income nations with high hypertension burdens.
The growing body of evidence from India is undeniable: air pollution is a major public health threat. As research continues to fill the gaps, one thing is clear: India needs to take decisive action to clean its air and protect its citizens' health.