According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is “substances put into the air by the activity of mankind into concentrations sufficient to cause harmful effects to health, property, crop yield or to interfere with the enjoyment of property” (Nagdeve, 2004). The composition of mixtures of air pollutants varies by region based on differences in transportation mode and traffic, economic and social factors, power generation, and differences in other human activities. However, mixtures from all areas include some common gases and pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and ozone. Most pollution goes into the outdoor environment, but people can be exposed to pollution both indoors and outdoors (Cohen et al., 2004).
Increases in amount of exhaust released from automobiles, wastes from industries, and burning of fossil fuels are the main causes of air pollution. (Nagdeve, 2004). Lack of planning is also a major factor contributing to air pollution. Traffic congestion and location of industries often would contribute less to air pollution if cities had been better planned. Poor sanitation and drainage and large amounts of garbage increase amount of air pollution as well. India spends over one billion dollars per year on urban air pollution (Nagdeve, 2004).
Data from the World Health Organization indicate that air pollution is responsible for about 673,000 deaths per year in India (Nagdeve, 2004). In their study on air pollution and mortality, Dockery, et. al found that mortality rate was related to levels of pollution in the air in a particular area. Amounts of inhalable small particles were more closely related to mortality rates than other variables such as amounts of sulfur or nitrogen dioxide. There was a relationship between all-cause mortality and air pollution as well as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and pollution. Air pollution was positively correlated with mortality rates among all groups including non-smoking people and those not exposed to occupational pollution. People of all ages, sex, and body-mass indexes were affected by air pollution (1993). Even people who do not die from air pollution may experience negative effects of it such as eye irritation (Cohen et al., 2004). Other problems associated with air pollution include respiratory damage, heart disease, and disease of the lungs (Nagdeve, 2004).
With its current problems and increasing population and urbanization, it is crucial that India make huge strides to improve the air quality of the nation particularly the urban areas. In his article, Urban Air Pollution and its Influence on Health in India, Nagdeve states that this task must be a priority and that the government as well as local leaders must take part or it will eventually no longer be possible for humans to live on the Earth. He says that public transport should be invested in, in order to decrease personal vehicular traffic and that research should be done on vehicle technology (2004). Not only should public transport systems be improved and more efficient cars designed, but incentives should be given to people who choose these more environmentally friendly options. For example, incentives could be given to make it cheaper to purchase more fuel efficient cars. Infrastructure should also be put in place to encourage people to use active transport. Infrastructure such as sidewalks and bike lanes make walking or biking safer and more convenient. Active transport would not only reduce the amount of vehicular traffic and air pollution, but it would also increase physical activity levels in India. Physical activity is important in the prevention of many health problems including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. This is especially important because studies have found that obesity rates increased in India with the increase in urbanization. As India continues to become more urbanized, the rates will only increase if prevention efforts are not taken. Providing infrastructure for active transport and public transport would be much easier for India to incorporate now as cities are planned and built, than later when the cities are already built and crowded with people. The United States suffers from not realizing this before. With chronic disease as the leading cause of death and the obesity epidemic in the U.S., the country is realizing that methods to increase activity are crucial. However, since cities were built without this or the environment in mind, it is a massive project that requires a lot of time, money, and inconvenience to incorporate infrastructure now. As a newer country to the urbanization trend, India should learn from the United States’ mistake and plan their cities to allow for more physical activity and less pollution to the environment. India could reduce the amount of damage to the environment and prevent an obesity epidemic by planning its cities appropriately as they continue to emerge and grow across the country.
Cohen, et al. 2004. Urban air pollution. Comparative Quantification of Health Risks, Vol 2. Geneva World Health Organization, 1353-1433.
Dockery, et al. 1993. An association between air pollution and mortality in six U.S. cities. The New England Journal of Medicine, 329, 1753-1759. Retrieved from http://www.nejm.org/doi/ful/10.1056/
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