Air pollution accelerates premature deaths from chronic diseases in India
In India, air pollution represents a persistent danger to public health, contributing to a rise in premature deaths caused by chronic diseases. Fine particles suspended in the air, capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and bloodstream, worsen the risks of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, respiratory disorders, and diabetes. Between 1990 and 2019, exposure to these particles consistently exceeded recommended thresholds, with peaks exceeding 75 micrograms per cubic meter in the 2010s, far above international health standards.
During this period, the number of premature deaths due to chronic diseases increased sharply. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause, rising from 724,000 deaths in 1990 to over 1.4 million in 2019. Their share of overall mortality has remained stable, confirming their constant weight in the country’s health burden. In contrast, diabetes has seen the most marked increase: deaths attributable to it have nearly tripled, rising from 55,000 to over 153,000, reflecting the growing epidemic linked to lifestyle changes and urbanization. Cancers, meanwhile, have seen their numbers double, reaching over 529,000 annual deaths, due to the aging population and the adoption of less healthy lifestyles.
Analyses reveal a link between exposure to fine particles and the increase in premature deaths, although this impact is not immediate. Indeed, the most pronounced effects appear two years after exposure, suggesting that pollution acts gradually, through the accumulation of damage in the body. Chronic respiratory diseases, while still present, have seen their relative share decline, overshadowed by the faster growth of diabetes and cancers.
Socio-economic factors also play a key role. Per capita income, life expectancy, and energy consumption influence both pollution levels and mortality trends. Thus, even if an immediate reduction in pollution does not result in an instant drop in deaths, a sustainable improvement in air quality, combined with socio-economic progress, could mitigate long-term risks. Public policies must therefore integrate both the fight against pollution and the strengthening of health systems to limit the impact of chronic diseases.
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Cited Study
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-026-02312-3
Title: Ambient air pollution and premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases in India using sustainable development goal indicators
Journal: Discover Public Health
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Authors: Bibin Bose