Wed Sep 25 09:43:54 UTC 2024: ## Air Pollution Raises Parkinson’s Risk: Experts Warn of Growing Threat
**New Delhi:** Health experts are sounding the alarm about the growing link between air pollution and Parkinson’s disease, highlighting the dangers of pollutants like PM2.5 and NO2. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that exposure to higher levels of these pollutants increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s.
India, home to nearly 10% of the world’s 10 million Parkinson’s patients, is particularly vulnerable. Dr. Anshu Rohtagi, Senior Neurologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, explains that “there is growing evidence that air pollution can increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.” He further emphasizes that exposure to pollutants like PM2.5 and NO2 can worsen Parkinson’s symptoms in those already diagnosed.
PM2.5, a harmful substance that can penetrate the lungs, is linked to various health issues including asthma, lung problems, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s. While the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an annual average concentration of 5 micrograms per cubic meter air (5 ug/m³) as ideal, 99% of the world’s population lives in areas exceeding this limit.
Dr. Rohtagi states that higher levels of air pollution, especially in metropolitan areas, are directly correlated with a greater risk of Parkinson’s. For individuals already living with the disease, exposure to air pollution can lead to faster disease progression and more severe symptoms.
Experts believe that pollutants like PM2.5 can cross the blood-brain barrier, causing inflammation and oxidative stress, which contribute to both the development and progression of Parkinson’s disease. This revelation underscores the urgent need for effective air pollution control measures to protect public health and reduce the burden of neurodegenerative diseases.
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