New Delhi: Health experts said on Tuesday that there is growing evidence showing a link between air pollution and the risk of Parkinson's disease.
More than 10 million people worldwide suffer from Parkinson's disease. India alone accounts for about 10 percent of the global burden of Parkinson's disease.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open showed that high levels of particulate matter (PM 2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's.
“Yes, there is growing evidence that air pollution can increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease,” Dr Anshu Rohatgi, senior neurologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told IANS.
“Recent studies have shown that exposure to pollutants such as PM 2.5 and NO2 can also worsen Parkinson's symptoms,” Rohatgi said.
PM2.5 is a harmful substance that can enter the lungs and affect our health. It can come from natural sources such as volcanoes and deserts or from human activities such as industry, cars, agriculture, domestic combustion and fires related to climate change.
In addition to Parkinson's, PM 2.5 has also been linked to a variety of health problems, including asthma, poor lung health, increased risk of cancer and heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer's.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an annual average concentration of 5 micrograms per cubic meter of air (5 ug/m³) as very good air quality. However, 99 percent of the world's population lives with concentrations above this value.
Rohatgi said high levels of air pollution, especially in metropolitan areas, are associated with a greater risk of developing Parkinson's disease.
For people who already have Parkinson's disease, exposure to air pollution can speed up the progression of the disease and make symptoms more severe.
“Pollutants such as PM2.5 can cross the blood-brain barrier, causing inflammation and oxidative stress, which are thought to contribute to the development and progression of Parkinson's disease,” the expert said.