The Impact of Air Quality on Health

Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
26 June, 2024

What is the most underrated yet priceless thing in our life? We would argue that it is a breath of fresh air. We often take the air we breathe for granted, but the quality of that air can have significant effects on our health. The air
we breathe can impact everything right from our lungs to our mental health. In this blog, we dive into the impact of air quality on health and explore what we can do to protect ourselves.

The Respiratory Threat

Poor air quality is a silent and deadly killer. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, ambient air pollution caused an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2019.

Long-term Exposure to Children

Now, let’s discuss how air quality impacts our children… ie… The Most Vulnerable! Children are especially susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution. They have small, developing lungs that are prone to a plethora of respiratory
infections and pollution can make symptoms worse. Much worse. But the impact doesn’t stop there – air pollution can also affect children’s cognitive development, potentially impacting their future.

Beyond the Lungs: Mental Health and More

If we told you a few years ago that air quality could potentially have an impact on mental health – you may have called us “paranoid”, but a slew of recent studies have unveiled a surprising connection between air pollution and mental
health. Exposure to polluted air can increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. Moreover, long-term exposure has been linked to an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The cardiovascular system isn’t
spared either. Poor air quality can lead to inflammation and contribute to heart disease and stroke.

Bringing Clean Air Home

While we can’t always control outdoor air quality, we can take steps to improve the air in our homes:

• Improve ventilation by opening windows regularly
• Change air filters according to manufacturer instructions
• Ban indoor smoking
• Reduce use of chemical-heavy cleaning products
• Consider investing in air purifiers

Monitoring and Prevention

Knowledge is power when it comes to air quality. Many cities have air quality monitoring stations providing real-time data. You can also purchase home air quality monitors to track pollutant levels inside your house. When venturing
outside, check the Air Quality Index (AQI) in your area. This index, ranging from 0 to 500, indicates pollution levels and associated health risks. On high AQI days, limit outdoor activities, especially for sensitive groups like
children and the elderly.

The Indian Perspective

In India, the air quality situation is particularly dire. All 1.3 billion residents live in areas where annual average particulate pollution levels exceed WHO guidelines. This pollution is estimated to reduce the average Indian’s life
expectancy by 5.3 years. From 1998 to 2021, India’s average annual particulate pollution increased by a staggering 67.7%.

A Breath of Fresh Air

While the statistics can be daunting, there’s hope. Clean air environments offer numerous health benefits, including improved respiratory health, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and enhanced cognitive function and mental well-being.
By taking preventive measures like reducing car travel, wearing N95 masks in polluted areas, and advocating for stricter emission standards, we can work towards cleaner air for all. Remember, every breath matters. By understanding the
impact of air quality on our health and taking steps to protect ourselves and our environment, we can all breathe a little easier.

Conclusion

The impact of air quality on our health is profound and far-reaching, affecting everything from our respiratory system to our mental well-being. While the challenges are significant, especially in countries like India where pollution
levels are alarmingly high, there are steps we can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones. By improving indoor air quality, monitoring outdoor air conditions, and advocating for cleaner air policies, we can work towards a
healthier future. Remember, every breath matters, and by taking action today, we can ensure cleaner air for generations to come. Let’s commit to making air quality a priority in our lives and communities, for the sake of our health and
the planet.

---