7 Diseases Caused by Exposure to Air Pollution

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Acute respiratory infection, locally known as ISPA, is not the only disease caused by air pollution. Poor air quality may cause several other diseases.

Citing various sources, the following is a list of seven diseases often suffered by humans due to air pollution.

1. Heart Disease

Global deaths can be associated with ischemic heart disease. It is estimated that more than one million premature deaths each year can be attributed to exposure to air pollution produced by households.

2. Stroke

One in all stroke deaths can be attributed to daily exposure to air pollution arising from household use of solid fuels and kerosene.

3. Lower respiratory tract infection

Exposure to air pollution is almost a risk in childhood and is responsible for 44 percent of all pneumonia deaths in children under 5. Household air pollution is a risk of acute lower respiratory infections in adults and contributes to 22 percent of all adult deaths from pneumonia.

4. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in adults in low- and middle-income countries is caused by exposure to air pollution.

5. Lung Cancer

Around 11 percent of global deaths in adults were caused by lung cancer. This is due to exposure to carcinogens from air pollution caused by the use of kerosene or solid fuels such as wood, charcoal, or coal for energy needs.

6. Premature babies

Citing MedicalNewsToday, low birth weight babies can be caused by air pollution which can increase the risk of premature birth and infant death.

7. Asthma and shortness of breath

Inhaling ozone and particle pollution can cause an increase in asthma attacks and shortness of breath. It can be caused by both long-term and short-term exposure to high levels of air pollution.

Malini

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