Air pollution is a worldwide issue. In developed nations, industrialization is a significant contributor to air pollution. Conversely, in low to middle-income and impoverished countries, the combustion of raw coal, kerosene, wood, and other solid fuels for energy generation is a major source of air pollution.

In our nation, as per the Air Quality Index of the World Health Organization, the annual exposure to air pollution exceeds the permissible limit by 7.6 times for an individual. As of 2019, the mortality rate attributed to air pollution stands at 66 per 100,000 population. Among these, 24% are attributed to strokes, 19% to cardiovascular diseases, and 18% to lung tumors.

Due to air pollution:

• In 2019, approximately 4 million individuals succumbed to
• Elevated mortality rates are observed in East Asian nations
• One out of every nine deaths is attributed to air pollution
• Global life expectancy is diminished by one year
• Deaths linked to air pollution encompass stroke, heart disease, lung disease, lower respiratory tract ailments (like pneumonia), and cancer.

Chronic Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a transparent, scentless gas produced through the incomplete combustion of carbon-based compounds like coal, wood, peat, and petroleum products. As of 2022, our nation recorded 457 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning through emergency calls, leading to 26 fatalities from acute carbon monoxide exposure. Reduced concentrations of carbon dioxide lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood, resulting in oxygen deficiency in critical areas of the brain. Consequently, there is a potential for cognitive function decline and an increased risk of dementia or cognitive impairment.

• A study published in a professional journal from Oxford in 1990 highlighted cognitive changes resulting from prolonged low-dose carbon monoxide (CO) exposure over approximately three years. It observed common occurrences of attention deficit and memory loss.
• Alzheimer’s disease (AD) comprises 60% of total dementia cases, and projections suggest it will impact approximately 135 million individuals by 2050. Research in toxicology indicates that prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide disrupts mitochondrial function in cells, leading to an increased production of free radicals in the brain. Numerous studies have indicated a heightened risk of dementia with chronic exposure to CO.

How to prevent?

• Reduce car usage or transition to electric vehicles
• Avoid burning garbage and prevent forest fires
• Conserve energy
• Plant trees
• Ensure regular exposure to fresh air
• Wear a high-quality mask