Pollution: The Invisible Killer
Pollution silently taking away life
Every breath you take could be shortening your life.
Bryan Johnson, the tech entrepreneur known for his anti-aging research, during a visit to India noted that it was so normalized that people didn't seem to notice the air-pollution. He described the experience as "like being in the middle of a fire", and experienced skin rash, burning throat and eyes after only a few days in India.
This isn’t an exaggeration—it’s a grim truth. Pollution is no longer just an environmental concern—it’s a major public health crisis. Recent studies show that air pollution alone is shaving more years off the average human life than smoking, alcohol, or unsafe drinking water. And NO! The latter does not do any good to you either!
In India, where cities rank among the most polluted in the world, the threat is even more urgent. But what does this mean for your health? And more importantly, what can you do to protect yourself? Let’s dive into the data, the science, and the solutions.
How Much Life Are We Losing?
Globally, exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) reduces life expectancy by 1.8–2.2 years. This makes it a greater threat than:
| Risk Factor | Years of Life Lost (Global Average) |
|---|---|
| PM2.5 Pollution | 1.8–2.2 years |
| Smoking | 1.9–2.1 years |
| Alcohol Use | 0.7 years |
| Unsafe Water and Sanitation | 0.6–0.7 years |
In India, the numbers are even more severe:
- The average Indian loses 5.3 years of life due to PM2.5 pollution.
- In the Northern Plains, residents could lose up to 8 years.
- In comparison:
- Cardiovascular diseases reduce Indian life expectancy by 4.5 years
- Malnutrition by 1.8 years
What Pollution Does to Your Health?
It has immediate/short term effects and long term effects.
Short-Term Effects:
- Air: Triggers asthma, bronchitis, heart palpitations, and respiratory infections.
- Water: Causes diarrhea, dysentery, skin infections, and acute poisoning.
- Soil: Can lead to breathing problems, skin irritation, and even neurological symptoms.
Long-Term Effects:
- Respiratory: COPD, lung cancer, chronic asthma.
- Cardiovascular: Strokes, heart attacks, hypertension.
- Neurological: Cognitive decline, behavioral disorders, lead poisoning.
- Cancer: Lung, bladder, and gastrointestinal tract cancers.
- Prenatal and Childhood: Low birth weight, premature birth, developmental delays.
- Mental Health: Emerging evidence links air pollution with depression and anxiety.
Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study (2023 update) links 4.2 million deaths/year to PM2.5 as a major factor.
Conditions in India:
AQI in Major Cities (2025):
- Delhi: Often exceeds AQI 300 – “Severe”
- Mumbai, Kolkata: Range between 150–250 – “Poor” to “Very Poor”
- Reality: 100% of Indians live in areas exceeding WHO’s safe PM2.5 levels
Health Burden in India:
- Millions of DALY (disability adjusted life years) lost every year
- Pollution is a leading cause of premature death
- Indoor air pollution is rampant in rural homes due to solid fuel cooking
*DALY = a measure of overall disease burden, representing number of years lost due to ill health, disability or premature death.
How to Protect Yourself:
Personal Protection:
- Prioritize use of N95 masks during high AQI times
- Good to have HEPA air purifiers in urban homes
- Choose clean fuels for cooking and heating
Lifestyle & Diet:
- Eat antioxidant-rich foods (berries, green leafy vegetables, turmeric)
- Limit outdoor activity during peak pollution hours
- Improve home ventilation during low-pollution hours
Pollution’s Economic & Social Impact
- Healthcare strain: Billions spent annually on pollution-related illnesses
- Lost productivity: Sick days, reduced attention in children, decreased earnings
- Mental health: Anxiety, depression, and poor sleep from pollution exposure
- Migration: Some communities are moving due to unlivable air quality—an emerging trend even within India
Let’s Revise!
Pollution is more than an environmental issue—it’s a life-threatening public health emergency. But you are not powerless.
- Use an AQI app to avoid peak pollution outdoor time
- Eat smart: antioxidants help fight oxidative damage
- Mask up on bad days and if possible purify your indoor space
- Support cleaner policies and greener choices
Your awareness is your shield. Your voice can push for the cleaner, healthier future we all deserve.
Written by Dr Jonty Gill
Published: July 2, 2025
Last updated: July 2, 2025
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