Air pollution is frequently restricted in our minds to breathing troubles and lung-related ailments. However, toxic air impacts several critical organs throughout the human body. Dr. Prashant Saxena, chairperson of respiratory diseases, critical care, and sleep medicine at Artemis Hospital in Gurugram, explains how polluted air damages the heart, brain, and nerves.
How Pollution Harms the Heart and Brain
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Remaining exposed to polluted air over long periods triggers inflammation inside the body and increases oxidative stress. This impacts the functioning of blood vessels, causing blood pressure to rise gradually. High blood pressure places extra strain on the heart, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly among individuals already battling hypertension and heart disease. Additionally, air pollution can affect the inner lining of blood vessels, reducing their flexibility and increasing the danger of plaque accumulation within the arteries.
Extremely fine pollutant particles like PM 2.5 present in the air enter the body through respiration, moving past the lungs and directly into the blood vessels. This process can inflict severe damage on brain health. Particularly, long-term exposure to contaminated air exerts adverse effects on neurological well-being over time.
How to Protect Yourself from Air Pollution
Check the AQI of your locality before stepping out of the house. Use an air purifier inside your home. Avoid going outdoors when pollution levels outside are extremely high. Whenever you must step out, make sure to use a mask. Refrain from going out for workouts during early morning or evening hours when pollution is high. Keep your body hydrated to help flush out toxic substances that enter the system. Wash your hands and face thoroughly after returning home from outside. Keep indoor plants like spider plants, snake plants, or peace lilies inside the house, as they help purify the air naturally.
