Air pollution can reduce life expectancy by 5 years. Doctors explain why

A recent study showed that air pollution can reduce the life expectancy of an Indian by over 10 years. Doctors explain how high AQI can affect the mortality rate so drastically.

A recent study has shown that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution is estimated to shorten an average Indian's life expectancy by 5.3 years, and in Delhi (considered to be the most polluted city in the country), as much as 11.9 years.
The data was compared to the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards of 5 micrograms per cubic meter, according to an updated Air Quality Life Index released by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC).
Doctors explain how low air quality has the ability to impact the mortality rate. Air pollution, being a significant contributor to the death rate, targets the lungs and eventually, the heart, kidneys, the brain and slowly causes detrimental effects on the body's system. "Over time, we've come to realize that many years of productive business life can be eroded by sustained exposure to air pollution," said Dr Arjun Khanna, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.
According to Dr Kuldeep Kumar Grover, Head of Critical Care and Pulmonology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, exposure to pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide can lead to respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases and even cancer.
"Over time, these health effects can reduce life expectancy, especially among vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Efforts to reduce air pollution can have positive impacts on public health and potentially increase life expectancy," said Dr Kuldeep Kumar Grover.
Dr Avi Kumar, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology at Fortis Escorts said that studies have indicated areas with higher levels of air pollution tend to have higher mortality rates.
Respiratory health effects: Pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) can irritate the respiratory system, leading to conditions such as bronchitis and asthma. Prolonged exposure to polluted air can exacerbate these conditions and reduce lung function over time.
Cardiovascular health effects: Air pollution can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension. Long-term exposure to pollutants can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries become narrow and hardened, increasing the risk of heart-related complications.
Reduced lung function: Chronic exposure to air pollution can lead to a decline in lung function, particularly in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
Since the ongoing air quality menace poses serious health threats to humanity, experts urge critical corrective measures. "Efforts to mitigate the impact of air pollution on life expectancy include implementing stricter environmental regulations, transitioning to cleaner energy sources, improving public transportation, and raising awareness about the health risks associated with air pollution are the need of the house," underscored Dr Avi Kumar.