Lancet Study Flags Air Pollution As The New Smoking, Bigger Risk Factor For Brain Strokes

New Delhi, September 19: A new global study, publish in The Lancet Neurology Journal. Found that about 14 per cent of the death and disability caused by SAH in 2021 could attributed to particulate matter air pollution. Researchers found this similar to the risk posed by smoking.

“Our study…show that particulate matter air pollution is responsible for 2.6 million. Healthy life years lost due to death and disability from subarachnoid haemorrhage in 2021. Which is one million more than that from smoking, another major risk factor for SAH,” says Prof Valery Feigin, Director National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurosciences, Auckland University of Technology. New Zealand and lead author of the study. He listed how pollutants like PM 2.5 damage the arterial cells, increasing the chance of rupture.

The study, which analyzed data from millions of individuals across various regions. Found a strong correlation between exposure to air pollution and the incidence of ischemic stroke the most common type of stroke. Even low levels of exposure to particulate matter. A common type of air pollutant, linked to a significantly elevated risk of stroke.

The findings are particularly concerning given the widespread nature of air pollution. In many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries. Air quality is deteriorating due to factors such as industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and burning of fossil fuels. This means that millions of people are at risk of experiencing the devastating consequences of air pollution-related strokes.

The study’s authors emphasize the need for urgent action to address air pollution. They argue that reducing exposure to air pollutants through policies such as stricter emissions standards cleaner transportation options. And improved urban planning is crucial for protecting public health.

While smoking remains a major risk factor for stroke, the study suggests that air pollution may pose an even greater threat to brain health. This is because air pollution can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, where it can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to stroke.

How Can Pollutants Lead To a Stroke?

Air pollution can significantly increase the risk of stroke by damaging blood vessels, triggering blood clot formation, causing inflammation, and inducing oxidative stress. These factors can interact with other risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, to further elevate the risk. Therefore, reducing exposure to air pollution is crucial for protecting brain health and preventing strokes.

How To Stay Safe From The Side Effects of Air Pollution?

Pollution is an increasingly pressing global concern, with detrimental effects on our health and environment. While we cannot eliminate pollution entirely, we can take steps to minimize our exposure and mitigate its harmful effects.

Here are some practical tips to stay safe from pollution:

– Reduce Exposure

Limit outdoor activities: During periods of high pollution, reduce outdoor activities, especially during peak hours when pollution levels are typically higher.

– Wear a mask: When outdoors, wearing a mask can help filter out harmful pollutants from the air.

– Choose clean air zones: If possible, live or work in areas with cleaner air quality.

– Indoor air quality: Ensure good indoor air quality by regularly cleaning and ventilating your home or workplace.

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The researchers also estimated that stroke-related liabilities attributable to 23 modifiable risk factors, including air pollution, excess body weight, high blood pressure, smoking and physical inactivity, increased from 100 million years of healthy life lost in 1990 to 135 million in 2021.