{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.
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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.]
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