Effect of Air Pollution on Health and its Contribution to heart disease in the adult population of Lucknow District.

Introduction:

Air pollution has emerged as a pressing global challenge, posing significant risks to human health and the environment. The Centre for Climate Change and Health, under the Shohratgarh Environmental Society, had been working on issues related to Environmental and human health. CCCH conducted a study providing valuable insights into the extent of air pollution and its impact on the population in Lucknow. The study consisted of two parts, the first being a perception analysis. As per the report, the majority of citizens perceived the air quality to be poor, second part of the study included various health effects of air pollution on the citizens. It is evident that urgent action is required to address this critical issue. This article will delve into the findings of the study, highlighting the causes and consequences of air pollution, as well as the need for increased awareness and collective efforts to reduce pollution levels. By understanding the gravity of the situation and taking concrete steps to curb air pollution, we can pave the way for a cleaner and healthier future.

Study findings:

The study was conducted in different major regions of Lucknow regarding the pressing issue of air pollution, revealing that a majority of the population perceives the air quality to be poor. When asked how would they rate the air quality of the city on a scale of 1 – 10 the majority of people gave a low score. While 79.4% gave the lowest score of 1, overall 98.8% people gave a score of less than 5 while 1% believed air quality to be fine and scored it over 5.

 The study indicates that air pollution affects the older generation, particularly those aged 45 and above, to a greater extent, but the younger population is also increasingly developing problems. 

The study identifies several key factors contributing to air pollution, as perceived by the citizens, including deforestation, motor vehicle emissions, overpopulation, and the open burning of waste. The findings of the study emphasize the importance of raising awareness about the impact of pollution from sources such as thermal power plants and smoking. 

In terms of health effects, the study identifies direct health impacts associated with air pollution as well as respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and potential mental health impacts as the main consequences of air pollution. The citizens are well aware of these health risks and believe that air pollution worsens the effects of COVID-19. It also showed how the younger generation is becoming more susceptible to air pollution-related issues. The direct health impact trend can be seen in the following graph

The underlying health conditions were also studied to correlate pollution levels with heart-related conditions. Considering the recent rise in heart-induced deaths in the younger population, our study showed a similar trend where the highest percentage of individuals with high blood pressure was observed in the 18-30 age group which also had the highest prevalence of high blood sugar and thyroid-related issues.

Thyroid-related issues were prominent in areas with high levels of pollution. The thyroid gland is a major regulator of cardiac function and might be the prime reason for increased heart-related issues in more polluted areas

The study also suggests that citizens recognize the need for taking action to reduce air pollution, including holding industries accountable and promoting individual responsibility.

A higher proportion of people believe instead of open burning of waste, recycling programs should be started to minimize open dumping of waste thereby reducing the open burning.

All these measures can only be realized and efficiently conducted with the help of government agencies to which more than 99 percent agreed with 48 percent of them strongly agreeing that government should take more initiative to promote awareness regarding air pollution.

Addressing the health issues associated with air pollution and reducing its detrimental effects require collaborative efforts from governments, organizations, and individuals. These efforts should involve implementing measures to reduce emissions, improving air quality standards, promoting sustainable practices, and raising awareness about the health impacts of air pollution. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of environmental education, sensitization programs, and citizen participation in clean-up initiatives to enhance awareness and encourage climate action, especially among the younger generation.

Overall, the study underscores the significance of air pollution as a critical public health concern and emphasizes the need for comprehensive actions to mitigate its adverse effects on respiratory, cardiovascular, and mental health. By prioritizing cleaner air and adopting sustainable practices, we can strive towards a healthier future for ourselves and future generations.

Conceptualized by: Mr. Sandeep Srivastava, Harshit Mishra

Study and analysis: Harshit Mishra

Graphics: Dev Rastogi

Surveyor: Mr. Ramraj 

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