There is increasing evidence for the role of environment in pathogenesis in many diseases. Children below 5 years of age and adults older than 50 years are most at risk. A global assessment of the burden of disease from environmental risks by the WHO has shown that 23% of global deaths and 26% of deaths among children under five are due to modifiable environmental factors. The harmful effects of air pollution on respiratory health are well-known to us and well-established.
Air pollution has been linked to many noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, cancers and type 2 diabetes. A new study has again underscored the dire need for a healthier environment. This study has suggested that exposure to ambient air pollution may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes through direct effects on insulin sensitivity and β-cell function. The study reported in the…
